Hurricane-force winds wreak havoc in parts of western Russia, leaving 52 000 without power
A severe storm accompanied by hurricane-force winds and heavy rain hit parts of western Russia on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency in Saratov's St. Petersburg area. Power was disrupted to about 52 000 residents, including in Balakovo and Marx.
Valery Radaev, head of the Saratov region, ordered municipal services to tackle the aftermath of the storm as soon as possible, noting that one of the most affected was Balakovo. Strong winds also affected other areas, including Ershov and Krasnokutsky.
Around 52 000 residents lost power in Balakovo, Marx, and St. Petersburg. As of Wednesday, July 15, it reduced to almost 39 000, according to the head of the Ministry of Emergencies.
"An emergency situation has been introduced in the St. Petersburg municipal region," the administration said. "According to current data, the roofs of social facilities, apartment buildings, and private houses have suffered."
Featured image credit: Alexander Cherkasov/YouTube
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