Explosions near the thermal power plant and a widespread power outage—Crimea experienced a turbulent night
20 August 04:35
On the night of August 19–20, a series of explosions rocked the temporarily occupied Crimea, after which power outages occurred in several cities. Blackouts were reported in Sevastopol, Simferopol, and Dzhankoy.
The information was released by the “ATESH” partisan movement, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Representatives of the occupying administration did not comment on the extent of the power outage or its causes when the first reports emerged.
Which cities in Crimea were left without power
According to “ATESH,” power supply issues were reported in at least three cities:
- Sevastopol;
- Simferopol;
- Dzhankoy.
The extent of the outages in each location is still being determined. It is currently unknown whether the cities are experiencing a complete power outage or emergency blackouts in certain areas.
Local residents reported power outages shortly after the explosions. The occupying energy companies did not immediately publish official schedules for emergency power outages.
Where in Crimea were explosions heard?
Most reports of explosions came from Sevastopol. Loud noises were also recorded near the thermal power plant in Simferopol.
There is currently no information on the exact locations of the strikes or the nature of the damage. The Ukrainian military has also not officially reported conducting any operations on the territory of the occupied peninsula.
At the same time, the nearly simultaneous power outages in three remote cities may indicate an emergency failure in several parts of the Crimean power grid.
Explosions near energy facilities were also heard the day before
Problems with the power grid in occupied Crimea have been ongoing for more than a day.
As reported by “Suspilne Krym, ” on the night of August 19, explosions were heard near the Saki Thermal Power Plant, the Sevastopol Mobile Gas Turbine Power Plant, and a power substation in the Gurzuf area.
Local residents also reported a possible strike near the “Alushta” power substation and a power outage in Malorichen.
Why a simultaneous blackout in three cities is significant
Sevastopol, Simferopol, and Dzhankoy hold different strategic significance for the Russian occupation regime.
Sevastopol remains the main base of the Russian Federation’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea. The city is home to military, repair, port, and logistics facilities.
Simferopol is the administrative and energy hub of the occupied peninsula. Important power lines supplying central Crimea pass through it.
Dzhankoy serves as one of the main transportation and military-logistical hubs in the north of the peninsula. Road and rail routes pass through the area, which Russia uses to supply its troops in southern Ukraine.
Even brief power outages in these cities can disrupt communications, transportation, water supply, industrial operations, and Russian military infrastructure.
Crimea’s power grid is experiencing a series of outages
In recent months, reports of power outages in occupied Crimea have been appearing regularly. Following previous attacks, the occupying authorities implemented emergency and rolling blackout schedules.
A complete blackout had previously been recorded in Sevastopol following damage to the power infrastructure. At that time, electric transit came to a halt, the operating schedules of kindergartens were disrupted, and there were problems with mobile communications and the internet.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
