Russian Post has responded to the widespread fires that have devastated a 2,000 sq kms area eastof Moscow in recent weeks with free deliveries of humanitarian aid to affected people.
The fires, resulting from a dramatic heatwave with temperatures of more than 45°, have spreadthrough the regions of Nizhny Novgorod, Vladimir, Ryazan and Voronezh. According to the RussianMinistry for Regional Development, the fire killed 50 people, destroyed more than 1,900 houses andleft over 3,500 people homeless. Clouds of smoke from the fires even covered Moscow at timesearlier this month.
Russian Post said that eight of its post offices had been burned down and 24 offices had beenevacuated due to the fires, mostly in the Nizhny Novgorod region. It put reconstruction costs atabout 250-300 million rubles (€6.4 – 7.7 million).
The national postal operator has also started to deliver humanitarian supplies free of charge topeople in the affected areas. Parcels containing items such as bedding, towels, blankets andpersonal hygiene items can be sent by Russians from any post office in the country to a designatedregional collection point, and will then be delivered to the recipient.
Russian Post said it is also working closely with local authorities to maintain postal servicesin affected areas with at least three deliveries a week.
