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Twenty four die on Moscow streets of cold this winter – mayor’s office

A total of 24 people have died on Moscow’ streets since the beginning of this winter
Photo ITAR-TASS
Photo ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, January 24 (Itar-Tass) —— A total of 24 people have died on Moscow’ streets since the beginning of this winter, the chief of the social protection department at the Mayor’s Office, Vladimir Petrosian, has told the media.

According to the official, most of the victims were homeless.

Petrosian said that the number of deaths from cold was reducing considerably from year to year. Just recently, about 1,000 usually died of cold every winter.

“The situation has changed after Moscow created a special mobile service. Currently it has fifteen vehicles patrolling the city’s streets round the clock,” he said.

The official said the mobile patrols last winter rescued 6,500 people.

As the press-service of the Moscow police force said earlier, in view of the sharp drop in air temperatures the Moscow police chief, Vladimir Kolokoltsev, instructed the chiefs of territorial police units to hold extra briefings for the personnel.

“The police were instructed to regularly inspect abandoned buildings, attics and basements, where homeless seek shelter from cold most often, and to immediately call ambulances and social services,” the statement says.

Also, police were told to pay closer attention to the drunk.

“If a person in such a condition is left unattended, this may cause an irreparable misfortune,” the news release says. Also, the chiefs of police units are obliged to see for themselves if the street patrols have first aid medical kits.