Russian regions battle extreme winter as snow shuts down dozens of schools
Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures have disrupted daily life across several Russian regions this week. While some areas reported school closures and transport issues, officials confirmed that most social facilities remain operational. Local leaders have prioritised safety and service continuity amid the harsh conditions.
On January 13, Apsheronsk experienced 80 cm of snow overnight, causing temporary power and heating failures in one kindergarten. Technicians quickly resolved the issue, ensuring the facility reopened without further delays. Meanwhile, 18 educational institutions across the region cancelled classes due to extreme weather.
In Goryachy Klyuch, the Saratovskaya Children’s Art School also suspended lessons after transport services struggled to navigate snow-covered roads. School buses failed to run in 51 schools across multiple districts, forcing administrators to reschedule classes. Despite these challenges, healthcare centres continued normal operations, and no major disruptions were reported in medical services. Governor Veniamin Kondratyev of Krasnodar Krai held an emergency meeting to address the situation. He stressed the need for uninterrupted heating, power, and road clearance in social facilities. In Belorechensk District, city crews worked to keep streets and pavements clear, while Novorossiysk Mayor Andrei Kravchenko confirmed all 98 local schools remained open and fully heated. In Belgorod, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reviewed responses to severe weather, focusing on power outages and infrastructure resilience. His team emphasised maintaining essential services, particularly with temperatures well below freezing.
Authorities have mobilised resources to keep critical services running smoothly during the cold snap. Schools and healthcare centres remain mostly unaffected, though transport delays persist in some areas. Officials continue monitoring conditions to prevent further disruptions as winter weather holds firm.
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