The authorities of Latvia, a Baltic country that neighbors Russia, today called on citizens to convert their basements into air raid shelters, on the occasion of the country's traditional national cleaning day.
A former Soviet republic, Latvia, now a member of NATO and the European Union, shares a 214-kilometer border with Russia, raising fears in Riga that the country could be among Moscow's next targets if it wins in Ukraine.
"We appeal to everyone to ensure that the basements can be used as shelters in case of need, during the major cleanup, but also afterwards," said the mayor of Riga, Vilnis Kirsis.
The mayor added that municipal officials will take care of the cellars that belong to the city.
The Civil Defense Commission in Riga announced that "the basements of public buildings, schools, retirement homes, hospitals and other city premises will be inspected by the competent authorities and prepared as shelters in the event of an attack."
"We intend to prepare about 100 shelters every month until the end of the year," the commission stated.
Bonus video:
