Over 1,200 Apply for Bodaibo Heating Accident Aid

Residents of Bodaibo in need of financial assistance due to a municipal accident in the heating network will soon begin receiving payments. More than 1,300 people were left without heating and hot water after the water main froze.

According to the regional government press service, as of 4 February, 1,274 applications for financial aid had been submitted. Payments will begin tomorrow, as ordered by the governor.

Three boiler houses — LZDT, BMK, and Mostootryad-44 — have returned to normal parameters in Bodaibo. Apartment buildings and schools are gradually being reconnected to the heating supply.

«Preparation continues for launching the recently installed temporary pipeline, 741 meters long, to ensure coolant circulation for the BMK boiler house,» said Governor Igor Kobzev.

By this evening, the Mekhkolonna-135 boiler house should be brought to normal parameters. Pressure testing of heating systems in apartment buildings affected by the emergency is also expected to be completed.

Specialists from the Capital Repair Fund are inspecting homes that fell within the emergency zone and require restoration. As of midday 4 February, 12 buildings had been examined.

«Residents in the emergency zone are receiving targeted assistance. The issue of providing temporary housing during the accident response is being worked out for large families, families with people with disabilities and disabled children, and elderly people,» the government statement said.

Doctors are conducting door-to-door visits to families with young children and checking whether they have fallen ill. As of 4 February, no illnesses have been detected. All those in need have been given baby formula.

Therapists also examined Bodaibo residents with disabilities living in the emergency zone. Of the 57 registered residents, 25 moved in with relatives. 32 patients were examined at home and refused hospitalization for a preventive checkup.

Heating and hot water problems have been observed in Bodaibo for seven days. The central water main froze, leaving more than 1,300 people without heat. Governor Igor Kobzev called the situation in the city critical and sent his first deputy Roman Kolesov and Minister of Housing Policy and Energy Anatoly Nikitin there. A state of emergency has been in effect in the city since 31 January.

Bodaibo residents have recounted how they survive in their homes without heating in -40°C (-40°F) frost. Some apartments have already frozen. In addition, residents have united and created a mutual aid chat, delivering food, water, and heaters to each other. The mayor of Bodaibo has requested federal funds to relocate emergency housing that fell within the emergency zone.

Residents have also begun to panic over a frozen sewer. Evgeny Yumashev noted that the main task now is to provide heat to homes, while a representative of the management company advised enduring the temporary inconvenience. At the same time, residents have been asked not to use hot water for now, so as not to disrupt restoration work.

We have compiled all news related to the municipal accident in Bodaibo in a separate special report.