RIGA, Aug 26 (LETA) - Riga Metropolis, Riga and Pieriga municipalities, in six months have registered more than 19,700 Ukrainian refugees, said Riga Metropolis spokeswoman Inese Ozolina.

At present more than 3,300 refugees have been accommodated in Pieriga municipalities and more than 16,400 in Riga.

Riga has admitted on average one refugee per 41 residents, while other municipalities have admitted one refugee per 60 residents.

One of the biggest challenges for Riga Metropolis is places in preschools and schools, considering the already large number of pupils at schools.

Riga has received more than 5,000 applications for education institutions - 3,052 for preschool education establishments and 1,978 applications for schools.

Riga will open nine preschool groups for Ukrainian children.

All municipalities are providing the necessary primary support, social assistance and social support to Ukrainian refugees.

At the same time, where possible, municipalities provide refugees with food - depending on the municipality it is either a food package, gift card or payment of money. Since March 24, Riga is distributing soup portions to about 1,000 people a day. In addition, breakfast food and snacks have been donated by individuals. 

Local governments have issued also SIM cards for mobile phones. Riga also provides free of charge rides in public transport in Riga.

Riga and eight Pieriga municipalities - Adazi, Kekava, Marupe, Olaine, Ropazi, Salaspils, Saulkrasti and Sigulda - have joined in Riga Metropolis.