Freezing rain affects airport operations in Moscow

Moscow, Dec 26 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Freezing rain struck Moscow, affecting power supplies and forcing the authorities to halt operations at the Domodedovo airport Sunday, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded.

A spokeswoman for the airport said two power wires were broken at electric substations in the Moscow Region following freezing rain that hit the Russian capital Saturday.

“The work of the airport has been temporarily suspended,” Yelena Galanova said, adding that repair work was on.

More than 10 flights were sent from the Domodedovo airport to Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport, which is functioning normally, Ekho Moskvy radio station reported.

The freezing rain turned roads into icy sheets in Moscow and prompted major rail traffic disturbances in the region.

Some 100,000 people were left without electricity in the Moscow Region, an official said.

–IANS/RIA Novosti