In the Pskov region, a powerful hurricane left thousands without power as crews work to restore the grid. According to a report from TASS, citing the regional press service of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Emergencies of the Russian Federation, about 6.9 thousand residents experienced blackouts this past weekend due to the violent winds that swept through the area. The disruption was most pronounced in four municipalities, spanning the districts of Pskov, Sebezh, Gdov, and Strugo-Krasnensky. In total, the storm knocked out electricity for roughly 6,900 people, a figure confirmed by the regional press service’s formal statement. Power is being rebuilt by a substantial mobilization of resources, with 86 teams, each averaging around 244 personnel, tasked with repairing and reconnecting electrical lines and substations. The effort involves a coordinated response across multiple districts, prioritizing critical infrastructure and households with vulnerable residents. (TASS)
This weekend’s outage comes amid a broader pattern of extreme weather events that officials say strain regional utilities and emergency services. Local authorities emphasize the scale of the response and the speed of restoration as top priorities, while field teams work around the clock to restore full service. The weather situation was characterized by strong gusts that caused damage to overhead lines, transformers, and related equipment, necessitating careful safety checks and phased restoration to prevent additional outages. The press service highlighted that the field teams include electricians, line workers, and support staff, all operating under tight safety protocols to withstand ongoing weather challenges. (TASS)
Separately, UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, released a statement noting that between 2016 and 2021, a series of disasters—floods, fires, storms, and other extreme weather events—led to the displacement of 134 people across affected areas, including 43 million children. The agency underscored the impact of disasters on families and communities, stressing the importance of preparedness, swift relief, and long-term recovery strategies to protect children and households during emergencies. (UNICEF)
Looking ahead, officials say restoration efforts will continue until the region regains stable electricity supply. While the immediate focus remains on reconnecting households and essential services, the broader recovery plan also contemplates improving resilience against future storms. Local leaders advise residents to stay informed through official channels and to follow safety guidelines issued by the Ministry of Emergency Situations during ongoing weather events. (Ministry of Emergencies)
In other regional weather updates, reports noted that the past weekend brought unusual meteorological conditions, including gusty winds that tested infrastructure and prompted rapid, coordinated action by civil defense teams. Residents are advised to anticipate possible intermittent outages as crews complete critical repairs and conduct testing of the restored network. While the immediate crisis subsides, the lessons learned from these events may influence future investments in weather-resistant infrastructure and rapid response capabilities across the region. (Regional Weather Service)