Utility crisis hits half of Russia, with hundreds of thousands left without heat, light, gas, or water
A utility crisis has swept across, with at least 43 Russian regions facing utility breakdowns that have left hundreds of thousands without heat, water, electricity, and gas, Russian publication The Moscow Times reported on Jan. 16.
Russia recorded 94 accidents from Dec. 1 to Jan. 15, marking a 29% increase compared to the same period last year, the publication said.
The most severe incident occurred in Podolsk, Moscow Oblast, where 20,000 people were left without heating as temperatures plunged to -30 C.
Elsewhere, an accident left 14,000 residents and 237 buildings without heat in Novosibirsk, while 10,000 people in 282 buildings faced a similar situation in Lipetsk. Saratov also reported serious incidents, which cut off over 650 buildings and 100 social facilities, including schools and hospitals, from heating. In Volgagrad, tens of thousands of were also left in the cold.
Read also: ‘Reality is much worse than their propaganda’ - FM Kuleba on strikes in Russian territory
Despite widespread degradation a rash of utility failures, Russian authorities are reportedly planning significant cuts to spending on utility infrastructure, the Moscow Times said.
Funding from the federal treasury for the utilities sector is expected to be slashed by more than half, according to the 2024-2026 budget, the publication said.
We’re bringing the voice of Ukraine to the world. Support us with a one-time donation, or become a Patron!
Read the original article on The New Voice of Ukraine
