Saint Petersburg: Lawmakers in Russia’s second city Saint Petersburg have called for a state of emergency after heavier than usual snowfall caused treacherous conditions and a man died when he was hit by a block of falling ice.
Public anger at icy pavements and mountains of snow has grown in recent weeks, with some locals even resorting to picketing municipal offices.
The group of local lawmakers has petitioned the city’s governor to declare a state of emergency, accusing authorities of failing to deal with the problem and even asking the military to intervene.
Authorities have defended themselves saying they are doing everything they can to alleviate the problem.
“It’s a complicated situation. Snow is falling daily. We see there is tension among the residents but we are working, we are doing everything possible,” city official Sergei Sharlayev told journalists.
The local weather service branch said the city had experienced more than double the usual amount of snowfall for the time of year.
Some residents are too scared to even go outside. “I have not been out of my house for two weeks, I’m afraid of falling on the frozen pavements,” said Marina Shibalova, 78.
Snow and falling icicles that can inflict deadly injuries have plagued Saint Petersburg for years.
Officials now say they have tasked over 7,500 people and 7,000 vehicles with clearing the snow.
