MOSCOW, August 7. /TASS/. An underage child and a woman were killed by severe weather in the city of Smolensk in western Russia, Mayor Alexander Novikov said on the Max social media platform.

TASS has compiled the key details on the situation in the region.

Consequences of severe weather

- According to the regional branch of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry, a powerful cyclone brought heavy rains and strong winds to several districts of the Smolensk Region.

- The regional capital, Smolensk, was hit the hardest.

- About 15,000 consumers remain without electricity across the Smolensk Region.

- As many as 34 power lines (6 kV and 10 kV) were damaged.

Casualties

- According to the regional branch of Russia’s Emergencies Ministry, a child born in 2017 was killed in Smolensk after a tree fell during severe weather, while a woman born in 1960 died after being struck by a falling tree in Lopatinsky Garden.

- District prosecutors have launched investigations into the fatal incidents, Mayor Alexander Novikov said on Max.

- The investigations will examine the actions or possible inaction of officials responsible for enforcing federal legislation, including regulations related to urban maintenance.

Authorities’ response

- A state of emergency has been declared in the Smolensk Region following severe weather, the regional branch of the Emergencies Ministry said.

- Regional Governor Vasily Anokhin ordered the establishment of a crisis center to coordinate efforts to deal with the aftermath of the disaster.

- Forty-two teams comprising 128 personnel and 51 pieces of equipment are working to clear the damage.

- Energy specialists are making every effort to restore power supplies.

- According to the regional Emergencies Ministry branch, a special team has been deployed to remove fallen trees.

- Particular attention is being paid to clearing roads.