Ukraine experiences widespread power outages due to intense snowstorm

Snowstorms and strong winds have caused extensive damage and power outages in Ukraine, affecting over 2,000 towns and villages in various regions. The Odesa region in the southwest has been hit the hardest, leading to the evacuation of 48 individuals trapped in vehicles, including children. Hypothermia cases have been reported, and traffic on 14 highways has come to a standstill. The storm is also impacting Moldova, Russia, Georgia, and Bulgaria. Ukraine's emergencies service stated that the adverse weather conditions have left 2,019 settlements in 16 regions without electricity. The heavy snow has resulted in snow drifts exceeding two meters in certain areas, forcing the towing of 840 vehicles. Additionally, around 1,370 cargo lorries remain stuck. The Mykolaiv region in the south has also been severely affected. A massive clean-up operation is underway, with over 1,500 rescuers and assistance from the police, border guards, and National Guard. In Kyiv, the capital, strong winds damaged the country's largest flag, prompting its removal from a 90-meter pole. The flag will be replaced and raised again. In occupied Crimea, coastal flooding has been reported, along with fallen trees and debris on the streets. Several municipalities have declared a state of emergency. An adviser to Ukraine's interior ministry revealed that the storm washed away trenches on the beaches, which had been dug by the Russian army. However, Russia's military has not commented on this claim. Footage from Sochi, a Russian city on the Black Sea, shows a three-storey building collapsing, though no injuries have been reported. Near the town of Anapa, a cargo vessel ran aground with 21 crew members onboard. In Moscow, the capital of Russia, specialized machinery was deployed to clear the streets following heavy snowfall. The extreme weather conditions align with reports of Russia's preparations for massive rocket and drone strikes on Ukraine's power grid and critical infrastructure. In recent months, Russia has carried out similar attacks, leaving millions without electricity and heating. Last Saturday, a significant drone strike on Kyiv took place, with Ukrainian officials claiming that 74 out of 75 Shahed kamikaze drones were shot down.