Fires hit water, power sites in occupied Crimea after drone attack

Fires erupted near crucial water and power sites in temporarily occupied Crimea, following a drone attack that occurred overnight into August 13, according to the Crimean Wind Telegram channel. The incident began around 10:50 p.m., when flames ignited at a substantial water supply facility during the drone attack on the Balaklava thermal power plant, situated near the village of Shturmove outside Sevastopol.

Preliminary data indicate the fire began near municipal water facility No. 3, managed by the Vodokanal utility company, which serves water to parts of Sevastopol. The origin of the fire remains unclear. Additionally, a separate blaze was documented near a power substation near the Solone Ozero village within the Dzhankoi district.

Satellite images reveal the substation operates at 35/10 kV with an estimated capacity of around 4 MVA and houses a single power transformer, providing electricity to neighboring communities. Satellite imagery further uncovered heat signatures near a village where Russian forces reportedly maintain military equipment. Reports indicate that drones launched attacks on occupied Crimea the night before, on August 12.

According to Crimean Wind, explosions were heard near a mobile gas turbine power plant and a substation in Sevastopol, as well as close to the Balaklava thermal power plant. Residents later confirmed power shortages in the city.