Powerful cyclone kills several, cuts power to hundreds of thousands across Belarus and Baltics
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A powerful cyclone struck Belarus, Lithuania, Latvia, and Poland on August 22, killing several people and leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity. Belarusian energy workers are restoring power in 659 settlements after 1,876 substations and over 200 power lines were knocked out. Wind speeds reached 27 m/s in Belarus and exceeded 30 m/s in Latvia.
Key Facts
- Belarusian energy workers are restoring power in 659 settlements after 1,876 substations and over 200 power lines were knocked out.
- Wind speeds reached 27 m/s in Belarus and exceeded 30 m/s in Latvia.
- About 250,000 Lithuanian consumers lost electricity, and at least 230 trees were downed in Vilnius.
- In Latvia, 235,000 households lost power, and one person died in Jelgava after building structures collapsed.
- In Poland, about 241,500 consumers lost electricity, mostly in the Białystok area.
Belarus Impact
The cyclone hit Belarus hardest in the Minsk, Vitebsk, and Grodno regions, where falling trees and branches damaged power lines. The Belarusian Energy Ministry reported 1,876 substations and over 200 power lines were disconnected as of the evening of August 22. Energy workers are conducting restoration work in 659 settlements, but the exact number of people without electricity has not been disclosed.
Baltic States and Poland
In Lithuania, a man died in the Anykščiai district after a tree fell on him, and another woman was injured. About 250,000 Lithuanian consumers lost electricity, and at least 230 trees were downed in Vilnius. In Latvia, 235,000 households lost power, and one person died in Jelgava after building structures collapsed. Riga suspended several public transport routes and train services, and Riga Airport warned of possible flight delays and diversions. In Poland, about 241,500 consumers lost electricity, mostly in the Białystok area, and swimming was banned on some Baltic Sea beaches due to high waves and strong wind.
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Powerful cyclone kills several, cuts power to hundreds of thousands across Belarus and Baltics
