Serious emergency power outages possible in Kryvyi Rih

A mass attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih has caused serious disruptions to heating, electricity and water supplies, with municipal services working to deal with the aftermath.

Russian occupying forces carried out combined drone and missile attacks on Kryvyi Rih throughout January 7. The strikes damaged infrastructure in the city and injured civilians.

Head of the city’s Defense Council Oleksandr Vilkul said this during a briefing.

The wounded taken to hospitals

While the morning «Shahed» drone attack on an enterprise caused no casualties, the daytime strikes caused significant damage. According to Vilkul, eight people are currently in hospitals.

«Eight people are in hospitals. Thank God, all are alive, but two are in serious condition. Surgery has already been completed on one person, and another man is currently undergoing surgery, ” the official said.

Rescue operations at the strike sites and efforts to extinguish fires are continuing.

Hydraulic shocks and network ruptures

The enemy attack caused disruptions to the operation of the city’s life-support systems. Pumping stations and boiler houses were shut down following the strikes. While water pressure has been restored and more than 30 boiler houses have been restarted, the system sustained serious damage due to pressure surges.

«We are seeing a significant inflow of water into the heating system — about 200 tonnes per hour. This means there are ruptures caused by hydraulic shocks, ” Vilkul said.

Emergency crews are inspecting the networks to locate the ruptures. Damaged sections will be isolated in blocks to enable swift repairs.

Risk of blackout

Vilkul also warned residents of possible disruptions to electricity supplies.

«Serious emergency power outages are possible. Just in case, please store water and charge your gadgets, ” he urged city residents.

Authorities say critical infrastructure will be kept running on generators, and all «Points of Invincibility» are operating in the city.