Almost two million people in Russia and occupied Ukraine lost power due to hurricane-force winds, with wind speeds exceeding 140 kilometers per hour, and heavy rains causing flooding and cutting electricity lines, France 24 reports.
Russia’s Energy Ministry reported power cuts affecting about 1.9 million people in southern Russian regions and occupied Ukrainian territories, including Crimea. At least four people have been killed during the storm, according to local media.
Ukraine’s Interior Ministry reported that over 2,000 towns and villages in Ukraine were left without power. Ukraine’s energy grid has been targeted systematically by Russian forces, and officials warn of potential strikes over the winter.
Rescue efforts are underway in Crimea, with affected areas experiencing disruptions to highways, ferry services, and train traffic, while the storm also impacted oil loading at the port of Novorossiysk.
