Energy and transport hit hardest as snow cyclone rages in Russia's Far Eastern south

Energy, airports and highways were hit hardest as the snow cyclone has been raging for the third day in the South of Russia's Far East, RIA Novosti learned from a source at the administration of the Maritime Territory.

Electricity was cut off in more than 70 settlements, resulting from numerous accidents on electric transmission lines and wet snow on the wires. The Dalenergo company has set up an operative HQ to liquidate the consequences and coordinate restoration.

As RIA Novosti learned from a source at Vladivostok airport, the landing strip has been cleared but they have failed so far to remove snowdrifts from the aircraft parking.

On Monday Vladivostok airport is expected to resume flights.

The city of Arsenyev has been hit hardest. The city is literally blanketed with snow, the traffic has been paralysed.

Regardless of strong wind and heavy snow, passenger and cargo trains run according to the schedule at the eastern section of the Transsib, RIA Novosti learned from the press service of the Far Eastern railroads. Several snow-ploughs and railroad workers are working round the clock.