The snowfall that buried Vladivostok over the past day, was the heaviest over the past 12 years. More than two norms of precipitations fell in the administrative centre of the Primorye Territory, Itar-Tass quoted Vladivostok Mayor Igor Pushkarev as addressing the citizens. According to the mayor, work of road-clearing machinery is now centered on city thoroughfares. Streets will be sealed off to clear them of high snowdrifts. “It is necessary, above all, to ensure traffic of municipal transport, city emergency services, operation of socially important projects and electricity facilities,” he emphasized. According to the local branch of the Ministry for Emergencies, the snowfall have not triggered off disruptions in supplies of citizens with prime necessities. However, the situation remains strenuous over snowdrifts in streets. The transport service operates with difficulties everywhere. The territorial crisis centre and the local branch of the Ministry for Emergencies called on Vladivostok residents on Sunday to participate in clearing backyards and grounds adjacent to shops. Motorists were requested not to drive in city streets and in the Primorye Territory without great necessity. The Vladivostok airport has been idle for the second day over the foul weather. As many as 23 flights are delayed with departures and 18 with arrivals. Air traffic is planned to resume on Sunday no earlier than at 18.00 local time (11.00 Moscow time). Operation of ferries and boats is cancelled over weather conditions. Heavy snow in Vladivostok partially caved in the roof of a covered skating-rink on Saturday. According to preliminary data, there were no casualties. --SPA
