Command and staff exercises of civil defense forces and assets were held in the Vitebsk region
According to the exercise plan, due to the passage of a "Cyclone" through the Vitebsk region with heavy snowfall, transportation disruptions were registered. Sharp temperature fluctuations caused icing and breaks in power lines, and due to accidents and incidents at several life support facilities, heat and electricity supply were disrupted in the cities of Polotsk, Novopolotsk, and in the settlements of the Polotsk district.
As a result of power supply disruptions, the automation of a heating boiler failed, which led to a boiler explosion with partial destruction of building structures and a fire in the "Borovukha-3" boiler house.
During repair work on a gas holder at the ammonia storage facility at the "Polimir" plant of OJSC "Naftan", an explosion occurred, followed by depressurization. Product was released into the containment dike and the atmosphere.
In total, 60 units of equipment and more than 400 employees of regional organizations were involved in eliminating the simulated emergencies.
As noted by Vladimir Belous, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, the main goal of the exercises was the comprehensive practice of possible emergency situations, and the coordination of work and interaction of all regional services in their elimination and mitigation of negative consequences.
The results of the exercises were summarized at a round table. The Head of the Main Directorate for Emergency Rescue Services and Response to Emergencies, Sergey Novik, and the Head of the Main Directorate of the State System for the Prevention and Elimination of Emergency Situations and Civil Defense, Igor Gaishun, gave a comprehensive, principled assessment of the exercises held. All tasks set for the management bodies and forces of civil defense of the Vitebsk region have been completed.