Kharkiv is preparing for a harsh winter: is evacuation necessary and how many people are left in the city
Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov does not recommend leaving the city en masse for the winter, but he does not object to such a decision. In his opinion, every resident of Kharkiv has the right to independently assess the situation and make a choice that will meet their needs. He stated this during a nationwide telethon.
“No, I never advise this. Everyone makes a personal decision for himself and is responsible for it”, – said the mayor, answering the journalists’ questions.
The city authorities continue to actively prepare for the heating season, despite regular shelling. Terekhov assured that the authorities are doing everything possible to provide the city with heat, water and electricity.
“We, as the city government, will do everything possible and impossible to ensure that Kharkiv has heat, water, and electricity.”, – he assured.
The mayor also understands the residents’ concerns, as Russian troops are constantly trying to destroy the city’s infrastructure, striking energy and utility facilities. Accordingly, Kharkiv authorities began installing block-modular boiler houses to serve certain areas of the city, as well as placing cogeneration plants and gas turbines. According to Terekhov, this will help compensate for the lack of own power generation, as electricity comes to Kharkiv from other regions.
Despite all the challenges, 1.2 million people live in Kharkiv, including both local residents and immigrants. Before the full-scale Russian invasion began, the city’s population was over 1.4 million.
“There are waves of outflow and return. When there are frequent explosions and heavy shelling, some people move to other cities, then return. But this is a small number of people.”Terekhov concluded.
