The mayor of the Russian city of Biisk in Siberia, Viktor Shchigrev, said on January 26 that the entire city, except for one district, has lost access to cold water due to "pipeline damage." Shchigrev did not say what exactly caused the damage, while some residents of the city complained that they also do not have hot water. Since early January, accidents at electricity, water, and heating supply systems have been registered in at least 43 Russian regions. Authorities have blamed the situation on aging pipelines, many of which have not been repaired since Soviet times. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
Another Russian City In Water Crisis As Supplies Cut Due To Old, Damaged Pipelines
Equipment at the site of the pipeline damage in Biisk, Siberia, on January 26.