In Moscow, a massive coordinated effort is underway to clear the capital’s streets of snow, with over 135,000 personnel mobilized and more than 18,000 pieces of equipment deployed around the clock. This update comes from Pyotr Biryukov, the deputy mayor responsible for housing, utilities, and landscape, as reported by TASS. The scale of the operation underscores how authorities in the city are prioritizing mobility and safety for residents and visitors alike during winter weather.
According to Biryukov, the workforce comprises more than 135,000 individuals, while the fleet includes roughly 18,000 units of equipment dedicated to snow removal, material transport, and rotary operations. He emphasized that the work is intense and continuous, with nighttime shifts designed to keep streets open and passable despite heavy snowfall. The effort is coordinated under the leadership of Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin, who has stressed that snow clearance is a demanding task requiring sustained attention and resources. [Citation: TASS]
The city experienced 15 cm of snow in a 12-hour period on December 3, illustrating the severity of the weather event. Biryukov noted that the streets receive multiple passes during the day to spray and apply treatments, while work continues through the night to maintain plowed lanes and safe conditions for traffic and pedestrians. The operational tempo reflects a proactive approach to snow management, aiming to minimize disruption and ensure reliable access to essential services and transportation corridors. [Citation: TASS]
In response to the snowfall, Sobyanin issued directives to bring in additional resources for snow removal and to strengthen coordination across the city’s response framework. An operational center has been established, bringing together regional governors and the heads of engineering firms to monitor conditions in real time and adjust deployment as needed. This centralized control node helps synchronize snow-clearing efforts across districts, prioritize critical routes, and allocate equipment efficiently. [Citation: TASS]
Earlier reports indicated that more than 40 flights were delayed at Moscow’s airports, a reminder of how winter weather can ripple through air travel and urban life. While ground operations focus on roads and sidewalks, the aviation sector remains vigilant, implementing contingency plans to manage delays and maintain safety for airline crews and passengers. [Citation: TASS]
Beyond Moscow, news from Dagestan noted an unusual event for the season: snow fell in the region for the first time in four years, highlighting the broader and sometimes unpredictable nature of winter patterns. This seasonal context adds to the complexity of weather-driven logistics across the country, where multiple regions must coordinate responses to keep communities connected and functioning. [Citation: TASS]