Mass power outages in Rivne and surrounding areas after Russian attack

Massive power outages occurred in Rivne and adjacent districts on October 16 following a Russian drone attack on the main power grid. The strike damaged energy infrastructure supplying electricity to Rivne Oblast.

This was reported by the national energy company Ukrenergo.

According to the company, Russian drones attacked main grid facilities, causing significant power supply disruptions in the regional center and surrounding settlements.

Energy workers are already organizing electricity supply through backup schemes. This will gradually restore power to consumers until repairs to damaged infrastructure are completed.

At the same time, emergency restoration work on the damaged facilities will begin as soon as the security situation allows.

Head of Rivne Oblast Military Administration Oleksandr Koval confirmed power outages in Rivne and the surrounding area. According to him, key life support institutions are switching to alternative power sources.

The exact number of consumers left without electricity has not yet been reported. The timeline for full restoration of power supply is also unknown.

Ukrenergo added that emergency restoration work continues in Volyn Oblast as well. In particular, power grids supplying Lutsk received severe damage after Russian drone attacks on the night of October 16.

During the day, Russian forces repeatedly attacked western regions of Ukraine. In Rivne, civilian objects were hit, including one of the lyceums and commercial infrastructure.

Residents of affected settlements are advised to follow official announcements from local power grid operators and account for possible changes in outage schedules.