Thousands Freeze in Yurga Heat Network Failures

Batteries in several dozen apartment buildings in Yurga are cooling due to accidents on the heating networks. Residents are expected to remain without heat supply at least until the end of the day, according to operational information published on Wednesday, February 4, by the press service of the Kuzbass Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM).

In Yurga, two heat network breaches occurred in the past hour. The first leak occurred around 15:55, cutting off seven apartment buildings where 812 people live, including 150 children.

According to the ministry, a crew from Teploseti (heat networks) was dispatched to the site, promising to restore heat by 22:00.

An hour later, rescuers reported another accident on Yurga«s networks, affecting many more residents.

With outdoor temperatures at -12°C (10°F), radiators began to cool in 24 apartment buildings. Another 2,784 people are now freezing, including 872 children.

The emergency repair crew plans to fix the damage by 24:00.

Meanwhile, Kuzbass meteorologists forecast a cold snap below -25°C (-13°F) in the region for the night to Thursday, February 4.

This is not the first time Yurga has been left without proper heating. Previously, it happened due to boiler shutdowns at the troubled thermal power plant (CHP). The most recent incident occurred at the end of January, when plant workers complained about poor-quality coal.

The mayor of Yurga confirmed on social media that a leak occurred on pipeline 150. Specialists are performing welding work and plan to restore supply to six houses in an hour.

On another pipeline, emergency repair crews have begun excavating soil to access the damaged section. Heat was launched through the return pipeline for 24 houses. According to the mayor«s office, work will be completed in five hours.