Vladimir Solodov opened his report with last month’s powerful earthquake, which became a major challenge for the region. The President recalled earlier decisions to reinforce buildings and introduce new construction standards. The Governor confirmed that these measures had proved decisive: there were no fatalities. Not a single person lost their life, and only a handful suffered minor injuries, mainly while leaving buildings in haste. The entire system, from the Emergencies Ministry’s Main Directorate to the regional rescue services, worked promptly and in full coordination.
Even so, some 1,400 buildings sustained varying degrees of damage – about half of the housing stock in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Importantly, the load-bearing structures remained intact, so residents are not facing any immediate threat. The full scope of necessary repairs will be determined after inspections. Vladimir Solodov asked the President to support his proposal to provide assistance to residents whose apartments were badly damaged, even though the situation does not formally qualify as a federal emergency.
He also requested a Presidential Executive Order to help coordinate the work of the Government and other agencies that must be involved, noting that the earthquake monitoring and tracking system, in place since 1993, is in need of renewal.
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The Governor further asked for assistance in restoring children’s facilities that had been severely affected: schools, kindergartens and a children’s clinic.
The discussion also touched on the wider issue of major school renovations. The Governor noted that schools in the region are now decorated with images reflecting Kamchatka’s history, such as ships, submarines and battles, so that children, as they run through the corridors, are reminded of the region’s proud history and traditions.
Healthcare was another topic raised, in particular the modernisation of primary care and the staffing of medical institutions. The President urged that this issue receive special attention. The Governor reported on a new targeted training programme for medical personnel, which has been in place for just a year but is already delivering results.
Vladimir Solodov also reported on the rental housing construction programme, under which 887 apartments are currently being built in Kamchatka. Of these, 170 are earmarked for participants in the special military operation and for veterans. These are new-build apartments, fully furnished, equipped with basic appliances and offered at an affordable price, as two-thirds of the cost is subsidised by the budget. He also suggested expanding this programme, with a particular focus on veterans.
The Governor expressed his gratitude for the support given in tackling the high cost of air travel from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Vladivostok. Today, a ticket costs 9,000 rubles, compared with 40,000–45,000 previously. Although the number of such tickets is still limited, Vladimir Solodov emphasised that this decision is of great significance for the people of Kamchatka.