On December 24, temperatures in Yakutia dropped to –56 °C, triggering a windstorm that trapped residents in their homes while schools closed and authorities warn of further freezes.
Record‑Cold Winds Shut Tiksi
Portal NEXTA reported on Wednesday, 24 December that a windstorm struck the village of Tiksi, causing severe disruptions. Snow piled up at doorways, preventing people from leaving their homes, and resulted in school cancellations and kindergarten closures. Meteorologists predict temperatures could fall to –60 °C.
Video footage released by NEXTA showed conditions that the outlet labeled an “ice apocalypse.”
Energy Shortages Spark Freezing Threats
Yakutia Daily noted that coal supplies are nearly depleted, endangering six regions at –42 °C. Housing, Municipal Services and Energy Minister Wacław Jemieljanow cited administrative problems as the cause.
DW reports that heating companies have accrued debt and lack funds to pay coal mines and transport firms on schedule. Efforts are underway to restore supplies, with the Ministry of Finance earmarking grants for the key sectors.
Fiscal Strain Exacerbates Heating Problems
Heating issues appeared in September during snowfall. The first half of the year’s budget deficit was 24.4 billion rubles, prompting authorities to raise fees and urge conservation of electricity, heating, water, and gas.
