In Pryluky, in the Chernihiv region, a search and rescue operation has been completed following a Russian missile strike on a five-storey residential block. According to the National Police and the State Emergency Service, 22 people were killed, including five children, whilst a further 54, including seven children, were injured. A total of 125 residential buildings in the city were damaged, and efforts to clear up the aftermath of the attack are ongoing.
Briefly about the main points
- The search and rescue operation at the site of the impact has been completed.
- Among the 22 people killed were five children; 54 people were injured.
- During the operation, 15 people were rescued, including a child.
- 37 blocks of flats and 88 private homes have been damaged.
- From 9 October, the city will begin a comprehensive inspection of shelters.
Rockets struck the city on the morning of 7 October
Russia attacked Pryluky at around 6 am on 7 October. According to the head of the Chernihiv Regional Military Administration Vyacheslav Chaus, six cruise missiles – believed to be X-101s – were fired at the city.
One of the strikes hit a block of flats. One of its entrances was destroyed, whilst another sustained significant damage. Rescue workers, police and paramedics worked at the scene for over a day; the operation was hampered by the structural damage.
Once the search for people has been completed, specialists will dismantle dangerous parts of the building, clear the area and deal with the aftermath of the shelling.
Homes, educational establishments, businesses and transport have been damaged
According to updated police figures, the damaged properties include 37 blocks of flats comprising 525 flats and 88 private homes. Law enforcement officers are conducting door-to-door visits, taking statements regarding damaged property and documenting the consequences of the attack.
Report centres have been set up near the sites of the strikes. Separately, the police have recorded damage to vehicles, businesses, educational establishments, nurseries, the Children’s and Youth Creative Centre, administrative buildings and shops.
- 25 vehicles
- 20 companies
- Five educational establishments and two nurseries
Arrangements were made to allow residents access to their flats and to provide them with temporary assistance
Once the rescue operation had been completed, residents of the damaged five-storey block were allowed to enter the accessible flats to collect their personal belongings. However, the possibility of continuing to live in the undamaged parts of the building will be determined following a technical assessment by experts.
The City Council has set up a rapid response team, headed by the mayor, Olga Popenko. Temporary accommodation and psychological support have been organised for those who have lost their homes.
Volunteers from the Ukrainian organisation joined in to help Red Cross. They are providing those affected with materials to temporarily seal broken windows and damaged roofs.
Inspections of protective structures are to begin in Pryluky
A comprehensive inspection of civil defence shelters is scheduled to begin in the city on 9 October. The authorities are to assess the condition of the shelters and their suitability for accommodating people during air raid alerts.
In the Pryluky community, 7–9 October have been declared days of mourning for the deceased. At the same time, work is continuing to document the destruction and assess the damage to homes.
