Heating systems are being drained in hundreds of buildings in Russia's Belgorod and evacuations planned

Hundreds of apartment buildings in the Russian city of Belgorod are having their heating systems drained following damage to local energy facilities. Heating centres have moved to round-the-clock operation and schoolchildren, large families and elderly residents living alone may be evacuated to other Russian regions.

Source: Belgorod Oblast Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov

Quote: "Due to the heavy attacks on our energy facilities yesterday, as in previous months, and ongoing repair work – which continues every second, but will take a long time – and given the expected sharp drop in temperature, we have decided to begin draining heating systems in 455 apartment buildings. This also affects 25 kindergartens, 17 schools, 9 outpatient clinics, 4 higher education institutions, other social facilities and commercial businesses on certain streets of Belgorod."

Details: Gladkov said that heat will gradually be restored to residential buildings, social facilities and commercial businesses as repair work at the combined heat and power plants progresses.

"If we do not do this, the damage or harm would be almost catastrophic for every resident living in this part of the city," he added.

He also said that heating centres will operate 24 hours a day. Kindergartens with functioning heating, electricity and water will also switch to round-the-clock operation.

Schoolchildren may be evacuated to other Russian regions. Authorities are ready to relocate large families, families with children with disabilities and elderly residents living alone.

Background:

• Russia has been continuing its attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since 2022. Electricity in Kyiv is being supplied for just 1½-2 hours a day, and over a thousand houses will remain without heating until the end of the season.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on 8 February that Russia's energy sector is a legitimate target, but Kyiv is not yet able to retaliate to Russian attacks with equivalent force.

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