Heating Supply Restored in Burshtyn
Following shelling on the night of Saturday, February 7, the Burshtyn Thermal Power Plant has resumed providing heat to the local population. The heating medium's current temperature is approximately 55 degrees Celsius, with officials aiming to reach standard operational levels by the end of the day. The restoration of heating, along with cold and hot water supply, is only partial and not yet at full capacity.
Air pockets have been detected in the heating network, which may complicate the process of achieving full functionality. Consequently, schools have shifted to remote learning as a necessary measure under these circumstances. This incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of Ukraine's critical infrastructure during the war.
Hypothermia Cases Across Ukraine
In January alone, over 1,600 Ukrainians sought emergency medical assistance due to hypothermia and frostbite, with 1,469 of those individuals requiring hospitalization. The regions with the highest number of reported cases were:
- Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (195 cases)
- Kyiv (183 cases)
- Kharkiv Oblast (167 cases)
According to Vasyl Andriieshyn, 'as of today, heating supply, as well as cold and hot water supply, have been partially restored, though not yet at full capacity.'
The resumption of heating is a crucial step in ensuring the population's comfort, especially during winter. However, the issues with air in the pipelines could delay the system's full recovery, underscoring the fragility of infrastructure in a conflict zone. The significant rise in hypothermia cases further illustrates the severe public health risks that stem from such attacks on energy supplies.