January 27, 2026
Residents of world’s largest Arctic city left without heat as sub-zero temperatures persist in northern Russia
In Russia’s Arctic, Murmansk and the surrounding region, including the city of Severomorsk, have been partially without power since January 23 following damage to power lines operated by the power company Rosseti. Five transmission towers collapsed due to icing, blizzards, and gale-force winds. The power failure brought boiler houses to a halt, leaving residents of the Murmansk region without heating or hot water. According to the estimates from the regional government, roughly 73,000 residents remain without electricity. Amid attempts to restore power by installing temporary transmission towers, regional officials have declared a state of emergency. Locals have disputed claims by Governor Andrey Chibis that power was restored to 80 percent of the homes in Murmansk and Severomorsk by the third day of the blackout. Meduza reviews what we know about the situation.
TL;DR
- Power outages began on January 23 in Murmansk and Severomorsk after five transmission towers collapsed due to icing, strong winds, and blizzards.
- Approximately 73,000 residents remain without electricity, leading to a lack of heating and hot water.
- A state of emergency has been declared in the Murmansk region.
- Temporary wooden towers are being installed, with full restoration of main transmission towers expected to take a week.
- Support centers have been opened to provide essential services like charging phones and access to hot water.
- Criminal charges of negligence have been opened against Rosseti for alleged failure to maintain transmission lines.
- Local residents dispute official claims that power has been largely restored, reporting continued outages and inconsistent supply.
- Disruptions to mobile internet and Telegram have also been reported, though their link to the power failures is unclear.
- Critical infrastructure and strategic sites, including Russia's Northern Fleet naval base, have had power restored.