Thousands of homes in Zakarpattia may be left without gas due to rapid snowmelt

In Zakarpattia region, thousands of homes in 17 settlements may be left without gas due to rising water levels in the Tisa River. This was reported to by the regional state administration.

Due to sharp snowmelt and rising water levels in the Tisza near the village of Hetynia, Berehove district, a flood washed away a gas pipeline support.

The structure is significantly tilted, which jeopardizes the stable gas supply for nearly 5,800 customers in the following settlements: Getynya, Sasovo, Dyakovo, Petrovo, Bobove, Chepa, Chornotysovo, Dyula, Kholmovets, Divychne, Zatysivka, Velyka Palad, Zabolotnia, Bratovo, Okli, Okli Ged and Klynove.

However, the JMA emphasized that all necessary forces and means were deployed to prevent an emergency situation.

"Priority No. 1 is to fix the pipe and buy time for repairs. Specialized services are already building an embankment across the Tisza so that special equipment can get to the support. At the same time, experts are working on several engineering solutions: from creating a temporary bridge to complex drilling of a new line under the riverbed. Since these options require significant resources and time, experts are working on them simultaneously," the statement reads.

Settlements under threat will have uninterrupted power supply: blackout schedules will not be applied to them during the work period .

To ensure that the grid can withstand peak loads, the power company is increasing the number of emergency crews. Residents are advised to prepare for alternative stove heating and use liquefied gas for domestic needs if possible.

• Meanwhile, Lviv has launched an emergency preparedness regime due to deteriorating weather conditions and possible Russian shelling. The mayor urged residents to make records of food, water and medicine.