O. Vilkul: Power supply resumed in all 1605 localities affected by blackouts through rough weather

posted 17 February 2014 15:30

Due to the intensified 24-hour work of power engineers power supply in Odessa region has been restored completely after the electricity system has been affected mostly through severe frosts. Targeting to return power supply to Odessa region’s residents over 100 brigades of power engineers that is over 600 workers and over 200 machinery units were working all day round. Besides, on the Government’s commission complimentary enhancement from Kherson and Kyrovohrad regions were relocated there, the Vice Prime Minister, head of the State Commission for technogenic, environmental safety and emergencies Olexandr Vilkul explained.

Thus, in Ukraine power supply has been restored in all 1605 localities in 17 regions that were affected by blackouts through rough weather – drop of temperature to 23 degrees below zero Celsius at day and to 33 degrees below zero Celsius at night, strong wind up to 30 m per sec, blizzards, sleet. Odessa, Kherson and Mykolayiv regions were the epicenter of the weatherbeat. 90% damages to the power supply systems fell on the mentioned areas.

In whole, in regions due to the clear coordination of activities of the brigade and relocation of forces and machinery to the problem regions the majority of were liquidated during 24 hours. Daily 400 repair teams and 600 units of special machinery were operating in the regions. The Government provided assistance to the regions if needed.

 Presently, through sharp rise of temperature – from 5 degrees above zero Celsius at day to 10 degrees above zero Celsius at night – ice covering of rivers is ruining which leads to forming ice gorges. Local authorities should hold all protective anti-flood measures aiming to prevent underflooding of the territories, Olexandr Vilkul explained.  

According to him, territorial profile services, emergency teams, special machinery must be operating in an intensified 24-hour mode to pass high waters. Moreover, it is important to ensure unhampered work of protective complexes, hydrotechnical constructions and pumping stations.