Several fires exacerbated by strong winds raged in the Krasnoyarsk region of eastern Siberia, affecting hundreds of buildings and killing at least five people, local authorities said on Saturday, declaring a state of emergency. .
The fire spread to more than 16 areas. About 200 buildings, several sawmills and a kindergarten were burned. There are already deadthe Ministry of Emergency Situations of this region told the Telegram.
So far, five dead are being counted.
Calling the situation a difficultregional authorities have already declared a state of emergency.
According to authorities, about 300 people and more than 90 vehicles were involved in putting out the fire.
Killing is complicated by weather conditions: strong winds accelerate the spread of fires and make it impossible to put them out.added the local ministry.
After holding an emergency meeting, regional governor Alexandre Ourss said in a statement that the fires were caused by winds that, in some regions, reached 40 meters per second, against the 25 m / s planned.
These winds will cause falling trees, overlapping and falling power lines after this simultaneous fires broke out in many areas of the Krasnoyarsk Territory.
Expected to remain as strong as the wind at least four to six hourssaid the governor’s office.
We sought help from our neighboring territories, but we knew it would, in the best case, only happen within a few hours.said Mr. Ourss.
I ordered a power outage in part of the region’s territory, except for safety facilities, gas stations and water supply systemsHe added.
In the most affected areas, temporary accommodation will be opened and people will receive medical and psychological help.
Unprecedented fires have been ravaging Siberia for years.
In 2021, fires, particularly in eastern Siberia, released 16 million tonnes of carbon (the 4th highest volume since the start of measurements in 2003), according to Europe’s annual climate report.
Source: Radio-Canada
