Day-long blackout hits Arctic cities after power line collapse

A massive blackout has been ongoing for a day in Murmansk and Severomorsk. The cities were left without electricity due to the collapse of five power line supports. Here is how local residents are coping with the accident.

Many apartments were left without heating and light, and street lighting was turned off, according to our colleagues at 51.RU.

«We came home around seven in the evening and immediately realized something was wrong. The light was dim and flickered several times; in the bedroom, it was dark due to low voltage. Then we left again and returned at 4 a.m. The lights were on normally, but the radiators were cold. There«s no heating now, but the apartment is comfortable, not cold. We»re worried about our appliances,» 51.RU readers Darya and Denis said.

«We have no hot water, no light, no heating. It«s cold, we»re leaving for Pervomayka to stay with our parents,» local resident Ilya shared.

However, some city residents were luckier, and the accident did not affect their apartments.

«Our power was not cut, the heating is fine, there have been no power outages. Neighboring buildings also have light, and stores in the area are open.»

«We«re fine, nothing was turned off. It»s warm, bright, and there is water. But there«s no light in the yard,» say 51.RU readers.

The cities have opened several heating points, including round-the-clock ones. People can not only warm up there but also charge their phones and get drinking water.

Murmansk Mayor Ivan Lebedev said the city also has a street assistance point where residents are given food packages.

Regional Governor Andrey Chibis noted that they have managed to supply power to all boiler houses, water supply facilities, and medical institutions.

«However, temporary restrictions on power supply for some consumers remain, including apartment buildings, shops, pharmacies, and city lighting. This is a forced measure,» he explained in his Telegram channel.

The governor also noted that the construction of temporary power line supports is in its final stage, and electricity is planned to be restored in the first half of the day on 25 January.

Recall, the blackout in the Murmansk region began on the evening of 23 January, when a state of high alert was introduced. The Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case on charges of «Negligence.»