In short
- LVĢMC publishes flood hazard and flood risk maps for nationally significant flood areas.
- The maps include scenarios with a 10 %, 1 % and 0.5 % chance per year.
- If the building is in a flood zone, ask about the basement, insurance and past floods.
- The m²cena report shows whether the address is in a mapped flood zone and under which scenario.
Where to find the flood risk map
Flood hazard and flood risk maps in Latvia are prepared by the Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre (LVĢMC). They cover nationally significant flood risk areas along the largest rivers and on the coast, and they are reviewed regularly.
You will find the maps on the LVĢMC environment centre website, in the section on flood risk and flood hazard maps. LVĢMC also runs a separate flood information system with current forecasts and observations, worth following during the spring floods.
The maps usually show the extent of the flooded area, the water depth and the objects inside the zone.
What 10 %, 1 % and 0.5 % mean
The maps have several scenarios. The percentage is the chance that in any given year the water reaches or exceeds that level.
| Scenario | In plain words | What it means for a buyer |
|---|---|---|
| 10 % | About once every 10 years | High risk, floods will likely happen several times while you live there |
| 1 % | About once every 100 years | Medium risk, but over 30 years it is not small |
| 0.5 % | About once every 200 years | Low risk, for rare and large floods |
How to check a specific address
- Open the flood risk map and find the building by address or on the map.
- Switch between the scenarios from 10 % to 0.5 % and see in which one the building falls inside the zone.
- Look at the water depth: a few centimetres by the fence and a metre in the basement are very different risks.
- Ask the neighbours and the building manager whether the basement or courtyard has flooded before.
The maps show river and sea floods. A basement flooding in heavy rain or a sewer backing up may not show on them, so local experience matters.
Flood risk in the m²cena report
In Check a Listing, the "Apkārtējā Vide & Ikdienas Dzīve" (Surroundings & Daily Life) section has a "Floods" tab. It shows whether the flat's address is inside a nationally mapped flood area, whether it is a river or a sea flood, and which is the most frequent scenario that reaches the building. If the building is outside the zones, you see the distance to the nearest flood zone.
If the building is in a flood zone
A flood zone doesn't mean you shouldn't buy. A flat on a higher floor may never be affected. But the risk can affect the building's basement, utilities, insurance and resale later.
- Ask an insurer whether and at what price they will cover flooding
- Find out whether the building has pumps and where the heating unit and electrical board are
- Check the basement for damp and water marks
- Keep in mind that a ground-floor flat carries more risk
Common questions
Where can I find a flood risk map for Latvia?
On the LVĢMC environment centre website, in the section on flood risk and flood hazard maps. Forecasts during the spring floods are in the LVĢMC flood information system.
What does a 1 % flood probability mean?
It means there is a 1 % chance every year that the water will reach that level. It is also called a once-in-100-years flood.
Can I insure a flat in a flood zone?
Often yes, but price and terms vary. Ask an insurer before you buy.
Does the map show the risk of flooding from rain?
The maps mainly show river and sea floods. Ask the neighbours and the building manager about basements flooding in heavy rain.
Sources
- Plūdu riska un plūdu draudu kartes · LVĢMC
- Plūdu riska informācijas sistēma · LVĢMC
This article is for information only and is not legal, financial or tax advice. It may contain mistakes or be out of date, so check it against official sources or with a specialist before you decide. m²cena accepts no liability for any loss or damage arising from the use of the information in this article.