Attack on Odesa: Сurrent situation in the city

Odesa is still recovering from the latest Russian attack, but people now have heating and electricity. On the night of February 19, the Russians launched almost two dozen strike drones at energy facilities in Odesa. Due to the damage in some areas, electricity and heating were lost.

This is reported in a story by TSN correspondent Serhiy Osadchuk.

In the Odesa neighbourhood most affected by the massive drone attack, electricity is being supplied according to schedules. From morning until evening, tools are buzzing, and recovery work continues: broken windows and balconies are being covered with film, even in the apartments of those who left, fleeing the war. To do this, utility workers called an aerial platform, as there was no access inside these homes. TSN was able to enter an apartment opposite where the drone's warhead exploded. This apartment is home to a retired couple. They told us they had moved to their daughter’s place because the night-time temperatures were as low as minus eleven degrees. And although heat has already been restored to their building, the apartment is cold due to the broken windows. Other residents of the area report similar issues.

“The radiators are warm, everything is good, thank God, but there is no electricity, and they can’t do anything. It’s cold, we covered up with rags – that’s it, because we, my husband and I, are pensioners, we can’t carry that board to the sixth floor without electricity,” Odesa residents said.

To restore heating, utility workers worked continuously for two days. The equipment damaged during the enemy attack had to be partially replaced. Although electricity has not been fully restored, both city heating plants were powered up, and heat was supplied to the homes. The city council says that if some apartments still have cold radiators, residents should contact their management company to check the system for airlocks.

“In order for the system to withstand and not suffer damage, it was decided to drain the water. This is a huge and coordinated effort. Specialists checked the operation of each unit step by step. Now we can confidently say – heat is returning to the homes of Odesa residents. Thanks to DTEK energy workers and everyone who worked on the restoration,” said Odesa Mayor Hennadiy Trukhanov.

Meanwhile, work continues in the destroyed clinic and kindergarten. All broken windows have already been covered with wooden shields. Children have been transferred to other kindergartens. The hospital will start accepting patients later. Schools in the area will reopen on Monday. The Education Department assures that classrooms will be warmed to comfortable temperatures over the weekend.

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