July 16, Pozirk. Belarus’ power supply system has never experienced a storm as damaging as the one on July 14, Deputy Prime Minister Anatol Sivak has told journalists.
Video clips of his speech were released by the press offices of the Council of Ministers and the Ministry of Energy.
According to Sivak, half of the damaged overhead power lines have been restored.
The official pointed out the abnormally stron wind gusts that damaged most generating capabilities and power lines of the Mazyr district and surroundings.
“The storm wind caused extensive damage to high-voltage power lines. Wires were broken, supports were destroyed,” he said.
“Fifty-four high-voltage power lines were damaged. Our main task was to restore the capabilities and send electricity to Mazyr.”
The operation of Mazyr’s heat and power plant has been restored, Sivak continued.
Twenty-six power lines have been repaired. The main consumers, including the Mazyr Oil Refinery, already have power. Engineers will gradually restore supplies to other consumers over the next 24 hours, he said.
The energy ministry reported this evening that electricity supply has been restored to most consumers in Mazyr. The city government has cancelled celebrations of the district’s 100th anniversary scheduled for July 20.
This morning, 700 populated areas were still without power. According to the emergencies ministry, gusts toppled more than 800 trees, taking out power lines in the Homiel region.
A falling tree killed a child and injured several others at a children’s health camp in the Rečyca district, Homiel region.
A five-year-old girl died in the Mahiloŭ district in the evening of July 14 from an injury sustained when a tree fell on her.
