A Russian City Known For Its Harshest Winters Experiences Shift in Temperatures as Wildfire Blazes

According to atmospheric monitoring agencies, a heatwave in one of the world's coldest areas has triggered forest fires and threatened the Siberian city of Yakutsk with an "airpocalypse" of thick poisonous smoke.

High amounts of particulate matter and pollutants such as ozone, benzene, and hydrogen cyanide are expected to make this one of the worst air pollution disasters in history.

The 320,000 people have been advised to stay indoors to prevent inhaling the suffocating fumes from the fires, which are on track to exceed last year's record.

Particles Entering the Body

The head of Greenpeace Russia says poor forest management, inadequate regulation, and budget cuts have increased the fire dangers. "People gradually realize that the climate is changing and that the implications are potentially disastrous," he said. However, the situation is starting to shift, he added.

Also Read : Oymakon, Russia, The "Coldest Inhabited Place on Earth" Is Experiencing Drastic Temperature Rise