Kharkiv after massive Russian attack: No electricity, water on schedules
Kharkiv after massive Russian attack (t.me/patrolpolice_kharkiv)
Kharkiv was basically completely cut off from power because of a massive Russian attack in the morning. The city's metro isn't working, traffic lights are out, transport is limited to blackout schedules, and water is supplied intermittently.
RBC-Ukraine provides details on the situation in Kharkiv.
Sources: statements of Ukrenergo chief Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, Mayor of Kharkiv Ihor Terekhov, the city council, the Kharkiv region's patrol police, and local media.
Kharkiv hit the hardest
As stated by Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the head of the state energy company Ukrenergo, the Russian attack on Ukraine's energy system on March 22 was the most massive to date during the war. According to him, the strikes targeted thermal and hydroelectric power plants, as well as major substations. Damage has been reported in many regions.
"Unfortunately, Kharkiv has been hit the hardest. The scale of damage here is greater than in other regions. We are currently working with our colleagues from the regional energy companies on a rapid plan to restore energy supply to the city. However, there may be controlled restrictions in various regions throughout the day until energy workers eliminate the consequences of the attacks, including in left-bank Ukraine. These are controlled restrictions necessary for the energy system to function cohesively," he added.
Rocket strikes left the city without power
Explosions in Kharkiv began at 4:30 in the morning. Reports immediately indicated infrastructure being targeted, leading to power outages. Fires broke out at the impact sites. As of morning, at least 15 strikes were known, and the city was practically completely without power since 5 am. There were also reported disruptions in water and heating supplies.
"Due to the power outages at pumping stations in the city, there are problems with water supply. Electric transport will also not operate - transportation will be provided by buses according to a blackout schedule," noted Mayor Ihor Terekhov.
According to the regional prosecutor's office, a total of 18 missiles of the S-300 and Iskander types were used. An employee of one of the energy companies was injured. A criminal case has been initiated for violations of laws and customs of war.
Situation with transport
Due to the massive rocket attack, the metro is only functioning as a shelter.
"Additional information on resuming transportation will be provided," stated the Kharkiv metro. As of 1 pm, no additional announcements had been made.
As for surface transport, it operates according to a blackout schedule (free buses).
According to Terekhov, as of 12:30 pm. metro trains are not running, ground transportation is carried out by municipal buses. Almost all fires at the attacked objects have been extinguished.
Railway station: Trains pulled by locomotives
As a result of shelling, several sections of the railway were de-energized. Backup power circuits and locomotives are engaged, and all trains continue to move. At the Kharkiv hub, all trains, including high-speed Hyundai trains, will be driven by diesel locomotives.
"The Kharkiv railway station has been switched to backup power, and all systems are working," Ukrainian Railways said.
Passengers who were delayed over the missile attack are promised to be accepted on the next flight with available tickets.
Traffic control
Due to Kharkiv's power outages, traffic lights are not functioning in the city. Traffic police are intensively controlling traffic at complex road sections.
Photo: traffic control on the roads of Kharkiv (t.me/patrolpolice_kharkiv)
"If necessary, patrol officers carry out manual regulation at crossings with the most intense traffic," the police said.
Water supply schedule
Water is provided at reduced pressure according to a schedule due to the need to restore energy infrastructure.
Internet issues
According to NetBlocks, there are serious internet access issues in the Kharkiv region and adjacent areas.
Photo: Internet problems in Kharkiv (twitter.com/netblocks)
Emergency services disruption
In the morning, emergency hotline numbers 101 and 112 of the State Emergency Service were not working. The emergency medical assistance line 103 was also not working. Kharkiv residents were urged to call 102, and the police coordinated communication with medics and rescuers.
As of noon, the hotlines were operational again.
Air raid alerts
According to Oleh Syniehubov, the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, air raid alerts will be communicated through sound alerts on mobile phones because of power outages.
"In addition, emergency services and the National Police will inform citizens through loudspeakers and radios while patrolling the city," he added.
