On August 16, 2024, a massive power outage struck the Primorsky Krai region in Russia’s Far East, affecting approximately 1.5 to 1.8 million people. The blackout impacted major cities including Vladivostok, Nakhodka, and numerous other settlements. The outage was reportedly caused by a short circuit in the 500 kW network at the Luchegorsk Power Plant, leading to a cascade of failures across the region’s power grid.The power failure resulted in widespread disruptions to essential services. Public transportation, including trains and trams, came to a halt. Traffic lights ceased functioning, causing chaos on the roads, particularly in Vladivostok. Hospitals and medical facilities were forced to switch to backup power sources. Additionally, mobile phone and internet services were severely affected, leaving many residents without means of communication.Interestingly, the regional Ministry of Energy had conducted a planned training exercise earlier that day to simulate an emergency power shutdown scenario. This coincidence has raised questions about the possible connection between the exercise and the subsequent real-world outage.Authorities, including Governor Oleg Kozhemyako, have initiated restoration efforts, with power gradually being restored to affected areas. By midday Moscow time, electricity had been restored in Nakhodka and parts of Vladivostok. The regional government has advised residents to unplug appliances to prevent potential damage from voltage surges as power is restored.The Prosecutor’s Office of the region has launched an investigation into the power outage and the resulting disruptions to essential services. As the situation continues to develop, officials are working to fully restore power and assess the impact of this significant infrastructure failure on the region.
Key points
- A massive power outage affected 1.
- The outage occurred shortly after a planned emergency drill, raising questions about a possible connection.
- Authorities have initiated restoration efforts, with power gradually being restored to affected areas.
- The incident has prompted an investigation by the regional Prosecutor’s Office.
5-1.
8 million people in Primorsky Krai, Russia on August 16, 2024.
Contradictions👾There are conflicting reports about the exact cause of the outage, with some sources citing a short circuit at the Luchegorsk Power Plant, while others mention a malfunction at the Primorsky GRES power plant.
