A devastating storm swept through regions of Russia and Ukraine, leaving a trail of destruction that disrupted power supply to nearly 2 million people and claimed the lives of at least four individuals. Hurricane force winds, torrential rains, and colossal waves battered coastal areas, causing widespread chaos and halting essential services in multiple cities.
In Russia’s southern Krasnodar region, two bodies were discovered, while another casualty was reported in the Kerch Strait between Crimea and Russia. The storm’s impact was felt across multiple regions, with wind speeds reaching an alarming 140 kilometers per hour in some areas, submerging beachfront zones and wreaking havoc along the Black Sea coast.
The consequences were dire as the catastrophic weather uprooted electricity lines, leaving approximately 1.9 million residents without power in southern Russian territories of Dagestan, Krasnodar, and Rostov, along with occupied Ukrainian regions including Donetsk, Lugansk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Crimea.
Crimea, one of the hardest-hit areas, faced severe challenges, with hopes pinned on restoring electricity within the next two days, according to statements from regional officials. Lawmaker Vladimir Konstantinov likened the situation to an “armageddon”-like scenario, underscoring the unprecedented nature of the storm’s ferocity.
The storm’s impact wasn’t limited to power outages; transportation infrastructure suffered immensely. The coastal highway in Crimea linking Yevpatoria and Simferopol faced closures due to flooding, while ferry services in Sevastopol ceased operations. Trains along Russia’s Black Sea coast were disrupted as sections of rail tracks succumbed to the fury of the elements. Furthermore, oil loading at the port of Novorossiysk was suspended, compounding the logistical challenges in the aftermath of the tempest.
Ukraine’s mainland also bore the brunt of the storm, experiencing heavy snowfall of up to 25 centimeters, affecting over 2,000 towns and villages across 16 regions. The adverse weather trapped numerous individuals, with authorities in the southern city of Odesa rendering assistance to 1,624 people stranded due to the snowfall.
Amidst these challenges, concerns arise about the looming winter and its impact on energy supplies. Ukraine’s energy grid, previously targeted by Russian forces, remains vulnerable. Authorities fear escalated strikes that could exacerbate the situation for communities already grappling with the aftermath of this devastating storm.
As affected regions strive to recover from the calamity, efforts are underway to restore essential services, repair infrastructure, and assist those impacted by the storm’s wrath.
Sources By Agencies
