Wildfires lead to “airpocalypse” in Far East Russia

By July 30, 2021

Russia (MNN) — Wildfires continue to rage across Far East Russia, especially Yakutia. The land on fire last week nearly rivaled the size of Connecticut.

Volunteers with shovels have been trying to contain the blazes. But the real problem for people living in these regions is the effect on air quality. Authorities in Yakutsk even warned locals to stay indoors as air particles reached 40 times the recommended level. Officials label this extreme situation an “airpocalypse.”

Eric Mock of the Slavic Gospel Association says, “The air circulation through there has always been very difficult. In the middle of the heat, it is quite stagnant. During fires, the smoke will generally not dissipate. This is really surprising in those regions that see just incredible temperatures plunging to 60 and 70 below zero in the winter. They have just horrendous cold in the winter but also very miserable, hot summers.”

Sending help

SGA has been sending help into the situation by equipping local churches to reach out into their communities and help those in need. You can get involved by visiting SGA’s website.

Mock says, “We’re helping with food, water, and items like that, all delivered through the local church. In disasters like this, people look for answers. And even difficult times can be life-changing times for the sake of the Gospel.”

 

 

The header photo shows wildfires in the region in 2019. (Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2019, CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/igo/deed.en>, via Wikimedia Commons)


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