Three-day blackout in Arctic region leaves thousands without power
A widespread power failure has plunged the city into darkness.
Residents of Murmansk and Severomorsk are entering their third day without heat and light. This is due to the collapse of five supports on a power transmission line, which led to a complete blackout. Schools and universities have canceled classes, and the city has begun distributing food. This article covers all details of the emergency affecting thousands of citizens.
Emergency services distribute ready-to-eat meals to affected residents.
Why the city plunged into darkness
On Friday, January 23, five power line supports collapsed 7 km from Murmansk. This caused disruptions to the power supply, followed by shutdowns of heating and water supply in Murmansk and neighboring Severomorsk.
To restore electricity, the power grid company «Rosseti» dispatched new supports from the Leningrad Region and Karelia, along with teams of specialists from these regions. The regional Investigative Committee has opened a criminal negligence case related to the mass disconnection of power consumers.
Education online
Students from all colleges in Murmansk, except the college of arts, will study remotely on Monday. This was announced by the regional Ministry of Education and Science.
It was noted that the shift to distance learning is linked to the emergency situation on the «Rosseti» power lines.
However, most educational and preschool institutions will begin operating as normal from January 26. Specifically, 18 institutions will open in the Pervomaisky District and Roslyakovo area, Murmansk Mayor Ivan Lebedev stated.
Information regarding the operation of schools and kindergartens in the Leninsky and Oktyabrsky districts, which were affected by the large-scale power outages, has not yet been published.
In the neighboring closed administrative-territorial entity of Severomorsk, where power supply has also been disrupted since January 23, all kindergartens will operate normally, Severomorsk Mayor Vladimir Evmenkov said. In schools, only students in grades 9–11 will switch to remote learning.
The fight against hunger
Due to mass power outages in Murmansk, people cannot cook food at home. Therefore, the city has started distributing food packages, Mayor Ivan Lebedev explained.
As he noted, the packages contain bread, canned stew, water, and other essential items. The packages can be obtained at assistance points set up in educational, cultural, and sports institutions. Residents can also get water, heat up food, and charge their phones there.
Furthermore, many cafes and restaurants in Murmansk have begun offering discounts to customers due to the power supply issues. A list of such establishments was published on a Telegram channel by the regional Ministry of Tourism and Entrepreneurship.
It should be noted that about 20 stores in the city are not operating due to electricity problems.
Temporary warm shelter
Power outages, and subsequently heating outages, have forced people to sit in their cold apartments. Meanwhile, temperatures are dropping to -10°C (14°F) and lower. To prevent citizens from freezing, Murmansk hotels have offered temporary and free accommodation to families with children, the regional Ministry of Tourism and Entrepreneurship reported.
Conference halls in these hotels have also been set up with phone charging stations, access to boiling water, and the ability to heat up food.
Additionally, Murmansk has organized 13 heating points. They are open until midnight, with one operating around the clock.
