MOSCOW: A state of emergency was announced in the Russian region of Ryazan, nearly 200 kilometres south-east of Moscow, due to widespread forest fires. Moscow is witnessing extremely dry and hot weather this season.
Smoke continues blanketing the Russian capital Moscow since wildfires rage on in the neighboring Ryazan region. On Thursday, Russia's regulator for people's well-being, Roskomnadzor, recommended Muscovites to wear face masks and do wet cleaning at residences so as to protect themselves from the smog and burning smell coming from wildfires that are ravaging forests surrounding the Russian capital and its surrounding regions. He also recommended limiting outdoor activities and drinking more water to neutralize the effects of smog.
The fires covered an area of nearly 9,000 hectare, Russian agencies reported on Monday, citing aerial observations by the Forestry Agency.
Acrid smoke has reached Moscow in recent days, limiting visibility there, as per reports
According to reports, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin deployed 9,000 relief workers, more than 2,300 vehicles, and heavy machinery from the city to the fire-ravaged area to aid local authorities. Firefighting aircraft and helicopters were also deployed.
According to forecasters, Moscow will continue to experience smoke until the conclusion of the workweek. In the Russian capital, temperatures between 30 and 33 degrees Celsius are predicted to last at least until Thursday.
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