STATE OF EMERGENCY ON SACHALIN








JUSHNO SACHALINSK, 6 March.  (RIA "Nowosti"
rIA-"Nowosti"-Korrespondent Anatoli Iljuchow).  The strong snowstorm
over Sachalin and the Kurilen (Pacific) caused a Ausnahemzustand in
some sections of this island region, was reported from the
remoteeastern regional center of the disaster control Ministry.

According to the weather forecast the amount of precipitation on the
islands amounted to on Saturday, Sunday and Monday a double monthly
standard.  In some settlements the one-story houses up to the roof are
snow-covered.

The snowstorm afflicted hundreds of auto.  There are also people
victims, that were caused by undercooling or coal gas.  The victim
number was not determined exactly yet, since many auto is still
complete under snow.

Wet snow released numerous averages on the current and communication
lines.  In many settlements there is no current.  Failed water pumping
plants.  The local boiler houses have practically no more coal.

The snow paralyzed traffic on the island completely.  For three days
the airport Jushno Sachalinsk is closed.  Traffic on the motorways is
stopped.  The ferry Wanino Cholmsk, which connects the mainland with
the island, does not function any longer.

The area administration and the regional staff of the disaster control
Ministry take emergency measures, in order to protect the life supply
of the cities and settlements to eliminate the averages and to vacate
the main traffic distances of the snow.