Global warming is possibly one of the most serious environmental threats
Published:
8 December 2000 y., Friday
Global warming is possibly one of the most serious environmental
threats to this planet, but while solutions to this problem are discussed
people are freezing to death in Riga.
So far this year eight men and two women have died of exposure. Half of
the deaths were alcohol related.
Research at the State Forensic Medicine Center tells a horrifying story.
Annually, between 160 and 170 people, mostly homeless, freeze to death
in Riga. The record high was in 1994 when 218 people lost their lives to
the cold.
Director of the social assistance department at the Ministry of Welfare,
Sandra Baltina, said Latvian law holds municipalities responsible for
people in need of social assistance, but she is not too impressed with
Riga City Council's work.
"I think Riga City Council needs to think more about homeless people,"
Baltina said. "There are not enough beds for homeless people in the
shelters."
At the moment there are two shelters in Riga. One of them provides 20
beds for women and the other offers 50 beds for men. The City Council is
planning to build a new shelter with 200 beds.
Šaltinis:
baltictimes.com
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