Orange alert level announced in Odesa region due to heavy rains

An orange level of danger has been declared in Odesa region. According to weather forecasters, the region will be covered by heavy rains and gusty winds.

This was reported by the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center.

Significant rains, thunderstorms and wind gusts of 15-20 m/s are expected in Odesa region on October 8-9. Forecasters have declared the first level of danger - yellow. Heavy rains are forecast in the morning and afternoon of October 8 in the south of Odesa region, and the second level of danger has been declared - orange.

The weather conditions may complicate the work of energy, construction and utility companies, as well as traffic.

SCREEN SHOT: Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center

Also, on October 8-10, due to precipitation, water levels in the Southern Bug basin (particularly in Odesa and Mykolaiv regions) are expected to rise by 0.2-0.3 m above current levels.

According to DTEK Odesa Power Grids, on October 7, power companies restored electricity supply to more than 8.4 thousand families in 43 settlements of Odesa region. As of 18:00, 5.5 thousand customers in 7 villages and towns were temporarily without electricity. Repair works are ongoing, and all necessary crews are engaged to eliminate the consequences of the bad weather. Experts reminded that people should not approach power lines during bad weather because of the danger to life and health.

On September 30, a heavy downpour killed 10 people in Odesa. The storm caused widespread damage: flooding of streets, power outages, property damage, and massive tree falls. About 300 private and 400 apartment buildings were damaged.

Due to the natural disaster, Odesa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov ordered to allocate 100 thousand hryvnias to help one of the family members of the deceased or the person who was involved in the burial of the flood victims.

SCREEN SHOT: Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center

A recurrence of such a disaster can only be avoided by a complete reconstruction of the city's storm sewer system, architect and urbanist David Pishchev told theAccents project journalists. He emphasized that the project would be expensive and complex, and simply cleaning the existing sewage system would not solve the problem.

An electronic petition about the need for major repairs and regular maintenance of the storm sewer system in Odesa has also appeared on the website of the President's Office. Due to its unsatisfactory condition, streets, yards, basements of residential buildings, infrastructure facilities, and vehicles are regularly under water. Partial cleaning of individual sections does not give the desired result, so a comprehensive citywide overhaul is needed.

Анна Бальчінос