Russia's Belgorod announces mass evacuation - Media
Evacuation from Belgorod (Photo: t.me/Tsaplienko)
A critical heating situation has developed in the Belgorod region, prompting authorities to urgently evacuate residents to other parts of Russia. The program primarily targets children, the elderly, and families with special needs, according to Russian media reports.
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Critical heating failure
Regional authorities reported that repair work at energy facilities failed to deliver the expected results, leaving the city on the brink of a complete heating shutdown.
Due to the low temperatures, utility services were forced to drain water from the heating systems in 455 apartment buildings.
Heating was also cut off in 25 kindergartens, 17 schools, 9 clinics, and 4 higher education institutions. Videos on social media show water being drained directly into stairwells of apartment entrances.
Evacuation of the most vulnerable groups
The relocation program currently targets school-age children, large families, families with children with disabilities, and elderly individuals living alone.
The temporary evacuation decision is connected to the risk of frozen pipes and the inability to quickly restore normal heating. Exact timelines for residents’ return home have not yet been determined.
Impact on the city and municipal infrastructure
The lack of heating has affected not only residential buildings but also social facilities, creating additional risks for children and the elderly.
Regional authorities continue to monitor the situation, but large-scale intervention and evacuation remain the only way to mitigate the public health threat.
For context, Russian authorities reported the detention of several individuals suspected of plotting an assassination attempt on Deputy Chief of the GRU, Lieutenant General Vladimir Alekseyev. Among those detained were a Ukrainian national and an employee of an organization linked to the FSB.
In Belgorod, Russia, hundreds of buildings remain without heating due to inadequate repairs at energy facilities. Utility services have already begun draining water from the pipes in preparation for the approaching cold snap.
