RIGA, May 19 (LETA) - Train traffic in Latvia's eastern border area was suspended at midday on Tuesday due to a drone alert, according to information released by Pasazieru Vilciens rail passenger carrier, which operates under the Vivi brand.

Currently, an air alert has been issued in the municipalities of Kraslava, Ludza, Rezekne, Preili, Madona, Cesis, Gulbene, Smiltene, and Valmiera. Train traffic in these municipalities has been suspended until the alert is lifted.

The emergency has affected train traffic on the Kraslava, Zilupe, and Gulbene railway lines, as well as on the Valga line, which may also affect train services on the Tartu and Tallinn lines.

Information on the Vivi website shows that the Zilupe (13:02)-Riga (17:29) train will depart from Zilupe station once the air alert has been lifted, the Riga (11:45)-Valga (14:05) train is standing at Cesis station, and the Riga (8.01)-Zilupe (12:24) train is standing at Ludza station.

As reported, the National Armed Forces (NBS) said on Tuesday that a drone flew into Latvian airspace at midday.

As the NBS confirmed to LETA, one unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is currently known to have crossed the Latvian border. The drone is thought to be flying over Preili Municipality, but the situation is evolving, the NBS said.

Initially, a threat was reported in the municipalities of Kraslava and Ludza. Later, a cell broadcast message was also sent to residents of Preili and Rezekne municipalities, as well as Rezekne.

Shortly before 12:30 p.m., an air alert was issued in the municipality of Madona. At around 1:00 p.m., the warning was extended to the municipalities of Cesis, Smiltene, and Gulbene.

The NBS report that a threat is possible in Latvian airspace. NATO fighter jets have been scrambled in Baltic airspace in response to the emergency.

According to the announcements on the 112.lv website, the NBS informs residents of the affected territories that there is a possible threat in Latvian airspace. Residents of the eastern regions are urged to stay indoors, observe the two-wall principle, and close windows and doors. If they see a low-flying, suspicious or dangerous object, people are warned not to approach it and are instead urged to call 112.

The end of the threat in airspace will be reported separately.

As reported, residents in Latvia's eastern region of Latgale have received similar cell broadcast notifications over the past few months, most likely related to drones approaching or entering Latvian airspace amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Such drones have also exploded on Latvian territory on several occasions, including on May 7 at an oil storage facility in Rezekne.

So far, no people have been injured in such incidents, but the latest drone crash in Rezekne led to the sacking of Defense Minister Andris Spruds (Progressives) and the resignation of Prime Minister Evika Silina (New Unity).