Drone inspections reveal nearly 300 snow-overloaded roofs in Novosibirsk
Management companies face fines of up to 250,000 rubles ($2,700 at current rates) for violations.
Mar 3, 2026 0
The drones used in the inspections can reach altitudes of 500 meters and identify snow and ice hazards on rooftops.
Source:
Roofs of buildings in Novosibirsk are being inspected using drones, according to the press service of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) for the region. The inspections are planned to be completed by the end of winter.
It is specified that the inspections use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a flight range of about five kilometers. They can stay airborne for 30–40 minutes and ascend to heights of up to 500 meters (1,640 feet).
«The UAVs quickly inspect buildings of any number of floors, record violations (photos and video), and transmit the data to inspectors. The images show excessive snow load, ice formation, icicles, and snow overhangs,» the statement said.
As a result of the inspections, 297 violations were identified, all of which have been rectified. Last year, four thousand houses were inspected and 350 violations were recorded.
EMERCOM noted that if management companies ignore residents« complaints about ice and snow on the premises and roofs, they could face a fine of 250,000 rubles ($2,700 at current rates) for each violation.
Recently, a shopping center building collapsed in the Pervomaysky district of Novosibirsk. The reasons for the collapse are still unknown, but the last time snow was cleared from the shopping center«s roof was on December 31, 2025. The incident resulted in one death and two injuries. Read more about the tragedy in a separate report by NGS.
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