YAKUTSK, January 16. /TASS/. Meteorologists registered severe sub-zero temperatures plunging lower than minus 50 degrees in 12 districts of the Sakha Region, the regional Meteorological Office reported on its website on Wednesday. Schools were fully or partially closed in some districts, and utility and emergency services were activated.

On Wednesday, temperatures plummeted to minus 55 degrees in the village of Ust-Nera, in the Oymyakon district, with thick fog and almost zero visibility. The Oymyakon area is considered to be the Pole of Cold, where a record temperature of -71.2 degrees Celsius was registered 80 years ago.

"During frigid weather children do not go to school. <…> In order not to lag behind the school program, they study at home by doing assignments given by teachers. Mukluks (or natural fur boots) made of reindeer skin, fur caps and fur coats are obligatory essentials for a Northerner which help to endure the frosts," representative for the Oymyakon District Council of Deputies, resident of Ust-Nera Tatyana Alferova told TASS.

Medics suggested spending less time outside amid freezing temperatures. Northeastern Federal University Professor, and Doctor of Medical Sciences Palmira Petrova called on the region’s residents to have a wholefood diet, take vitamins and keep regular hours. "Such frosts are especially dangerous for respiratory organs. Children and the elderly ought to avoid putting their health in jeopardy during such weather," she advised.