Information on the Fires in Russia
08/25/2010
The US Department of State has lifted its travel warning on Russia. Cooler temperatures, rain, and increased efforts by the Russian government and citizenry have put out most fires and cleared the smog from the cities.
08/11/2010
The major forest fires in Russia have received much attention lately. Moscow in particular has been hard hit by smog flowing from several regions where forests have or recent have been on fire. Officially, most fires around Moscow are now out, but still smoldering. The authorities report that until rain reaches those areas, the smoke is not likely to disperse entirely. Rain is forecast for later this week (August 11th).
Our students in Moscow we advised of the conditions and advised on where to purchase and how to use medical masks during the worst of the smog. Weather conditions have greatly improved the situation in Moscow for the time being, though wind direction and flareups should be constantly monitored.
Any students arriving for the fall semester who have questions or who may wish to postpone their arrival should contact their SRAS representative immediately.
The situation may be monitored via a live webcam set up by the news agency RIAN. (Be sure to click the play button - the initial image is archived.)
US State Department Travel Warning
The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the risk of travel to the Russian Federation due to the ongoing wildfires. The Department of State has authorized the departure of dependents and non-critical mission personnel from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. The Russian Government has declared a state of emergency in specific regions of the country, including the capital of Russia, Moscow. Air travel to Russia, including international flights, is affected. U.S. citizens are therefore urged to postpone travel to the Russian Federation until the situation has improved.
Ongoing forest fires and extreme high temperatures in the Moscow region and surrounding areas of central Russia have produced hazardous levels of air pollution and caused numerous flight delays and cancellations in Moscow. The hazardous air quality means that persons with heart or lung disease, older adults, and children should seek to relocate to unaffected areas of the country and avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors.
The situation has prompted the Russian government to declare a state of emergency in Moscow, Vladimir, Ryazan, Voronezh, Novgorod, the Republic of Mordovia, and the Republic of Marii-El.
Fire related conditions can change quickly, due to changes in wind direction and weather conditions. Persons planning travel from the Moscow area should monitor weather conditions and stay in touch with their airline.
U.S. citizens who have questions, or require assistance, should contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy through the U.S. Embassy Moscow website.
If you require further information or assistance, please visit the U.S. Embassy Moscow website or e-mail us at MoscowWarden@State.gov. The U.S. Embassy Moscow consular section is located at Novinskiy Bulvar 21, Moscow. The nearest metro stations are Barrikadnaya and Krasnapresenskaya. You can reach the embassy's switchboard at (7) (495) 728-5000, and the American Citizen Services Unit at (7) (495) 728-5577. In the event of an after-hours emergency, please contact the main switchboard. You may also contact the American Citizens Services Unit by fax at (7) (495) 728-5084. The U.S. Embassy Moscow website is also available in Russian at www.usembassy.ru.
U.S. Consulates General are located in:
St. Petersburg
15 Ulitsa Furshtadtskaya, St. Petersburg 191028
Tel: (7) (812) 331-2600
Fax: (7) (812) 331-2646
After-hours emergencies: (7) (812) 331-2600
Email: StPetersburgACS@state.gov
Vladivostok
32 Ulitsa Pushkinskaya, Vladivostok 690001
Tel: (7) (4232) 30-00-70
Fax: (7) (4232) 30-00-91
After-hours emergencies: (7) (4232) 71 00 67
Email: vladcons@state.gov
Yekaterinburg
Ulitsa Gogolya 15a, 4th floor, Yekaterinburg 620151
Tel: (7) (343)379-3001
Fax: (7) (343) 379-4515
After-hours emergencies: (7) 8 902 84 16653
Email: consulyekat@state.gov
Travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.
For information on general crime and security issues, U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information of Russia as well as The Worldwide Caution Located on the Bureau of Consular Affairs website.
