Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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Yuri Trutnev held a meeting on the elimination of the consequences of cyclones in Kamchatka.
"We are working in Kamchatka today. Kamchatka is a unique region of our country. On the one hand, it boasts a whole range of natural beauty. On the other, it is logistically challenging. Since December 27, the region has been hit by powerful cyclones. The region has received more than 4.5 times the monthly precipitation norm. Snow depth in some areas has reached over 2.5 meters. This has led to significant difficulties for people, leading to the closure of schools, hospitals, and kindergartens. A state of emergency has been declared. President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin held a meeting with members of the Russian Government, at which the President ordered comprehensive assistance to Kamchatka. The Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Emergency Situations have been deployed to implement these instructions. A number of regions—Sakhalin Oblast, Primorye, and Moscow—have provided effective assistance, sending heavy equipment to quickly clear the snowdrifts. I would like to especially thank the Ministry of Defense. Defense Minister Andrei Removich Belousov responded quickly and helped us transport heavy equipment, as the Ministry of Emergency Situations aircraft simply couldn't handle the size. Separately, the President of Russia instructed the Ministry of Transport to analyze the condition of the roads after the increased snow load and take measures to restore them. "Now let's discuss the current situation," Yuri Trutnev opened the meeting.
Kamchatka Krai Governor Vladimir Solodov reported on emergency response efforts, ensuring public safety, and the operation of social and infrastructure facilities. "The extreme weather conditions of late December and the first half of January posed a serious challenge for residents of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Thanks to the support of Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and the assistance provided by the Government, we are accelerating the response. Snow removal has significantly accelerated in recent days. This was facilitated by systematic measures, including the opening of conveniently located temporary snow storage sites. The equipment that is arriving and literally being deployed to the streets to combat snow is also helping. Of course, we will learn lessons for the future, as similar snowfalls cannot be ruled out either this year or next winter," the regional governor stated.
According to Vladimir Solodov, an agreement has been reached to purchase a significant amount of equipment on a planned basis. "Support is also being provided by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Natural Resources in terms of compact all-wheel drive garbage trucks. We will be preparing a proposal to amend the regulatory framework. This also applies to sanitary regulations and standards, which should simplify snow removal in extreme conditions. This also concerns requirements for certain road layouts in areas where clearing is difficult due to barrier construction and other factors," he explained.
In the context of implementing this instruction from the head of state and at the direction of Yuri Trutnev, the Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East organized cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Russian Ministry of Defense, the Government of Moscow, the Sakhalin Region, and Primorsky Krai.
A total of 28 units of specialized equipment have been allocated to Kamchatka Krai, 22 of which are snow removal vehicles. Sakhalin Oblast has provided 8 units, Primorsky Krai 4, and Moscow 10. In addition, the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations has allocated 6 units of equipment (2 snowmobiles and 4 all-terrain vehicles) to support emergency services during the inclement weather.
"Following Yuri Petrovich's instructions, we got to work from day one. First and foremost, we ensured the delivery of equipment in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The Ministry for the Development of the Russian Far East will continue to support Kamchatka Krai," noted Alexey Chekunkov, Minister for the Development of the Russian Far East and Arctic.
Utility and road services, along with a Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations team, are working around the clock in the region, and emergency recovery operations are underway.
There are a total of 1,447 apartment buildings in the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky urban district. Currently, the entrances of 1,212 apartment buildings (84%) have been cleared, and the roofs of 1,015 apartment buildings (70%). Work continues. In addition to clearing apartment buildings, assistance is being provided to people with disabilities and senior citizens in private households. Rescuers from the Kamchatka State Budgetary Institution "TsOD", the Search and Rescue Team of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, and the Kamchatka Rescue Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia have been mobilized. Seventeen private residential buildings have been cleared, and emergency canopies in the entrances of apartment buildings have been dismantled after the snow melted.
Road maintenance contractors have switched to an enhanced work schedule and are conducting snow removal patrols. Contractors maintaining the city's main roads are widening the main thoroughfares and removing snow. Parked vehicles along the roads make snow removal difficult.
Work has been completed to ensure access roads to boiler houses. Timely fuel delivery has been organized both to housing and communal services facilities and gas stations.
The total number of specialized equipment used daily on the roads of the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky urban district is 162 units, including 72 dump trucks and 90 units of snow removal equipment.
Under municipal contracts for the maintenance of the street and road network of the Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky urban district, 97 units of specialized equipment are used daily, of which 60 units are snow removal machines and 37 units are dump trucks.
On federal highways, 22 units of equipment operate daily, including 16 dump trucks and 6 units of snow removal equipment.
Additionally, 41 units of specialized equipment are used daily from extra-budgetary sources, of which 4 units are snow removal machines and 37 units are dump trucks.
Some sections of regional roads were closed to all traffic during the cyclone. Drivers trapped in the snow were evacuated with the help of rescuers from the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Kamchatka State Budgetary Institution "TsOD," and volunteers. There were no injuries. All regional roads under the jurisdiction of the Kamchatka State Budgetary Institution "Kamchatka Road Administration" have been restored to normal operating conditions, and traffic is operating as usual. Eighty-three snowplows were deployed for clearing operations. A challenging situation developed on the federal highway A-401 "Seaport – Airport" due to certain sections being completely covered in snow. Clearing and snow removal are underway. A single-lane road is available.
Aspects of housing and utilities services and fuel supply were also discussed. Issues of healthcare services, passenger transportation, and solid municipal waste collection were also discussed.
"We are in constant contact with the governor, and all necessary assistance will be provided," concluded Yuri Trutnev.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
