Surviving Extreme Cold: Life in Russia's Coldest Region

❄️Yakutia, a region in Northeastern Russia, is known for its extremely cold climate, with temperatures regularly dropping below -60°C.

🏢Yakutsk, the capital of Yakutia, is the coldest city on Earth and is built on continuous permafrost.

🚗In Yakutsk, cars are left running to prevent the engine oil from freezing, and expensive heated garages or car covers called 'Natasha' are used.

🏔️Buildings in Yakutsk are built on stilts to create a gap between the warm homes and the permafrost below, preventing ice shifts.

🏊‍♂️Despite the extreme temperatures, some locals participate in ice bathing, such as members of the Walrus Swimmers Group, to boost their immune system and overcome the cold.

How cold does it get in Yakutia?

—Temperatures in Yakutia can regularly fall below -60°C, making it one of the coldest regions on Earth.

How do people prevent their cars from freezing?

—People in Yakutsk often leave their cars running or use expensive heated garages or car covers called 'Natasha' to prevent the engine oil from freezing.

Why are buildings in Yakutsk built on stilts?

—Buildings in Yakutsk are built on stilts to create a gap between the warm homes and the permafrost below, preventing ice shifts.

Why do some locals participate in ice bathing?

—Some locals in Yakutia, such as the members of the Walrus Swimmers Group, participate in ice bathing to boost their immune system and overcome the cold.

How is Yakutia affected by climate change?

—Yakutia is experiencing the impact of climate change, with above-average temperatures in recent years and the threat of melting permafrost, which poses challenges to the region's infrastructure.

00:00Yakutia in Northeastern Russia is known for its extremely cold climate, with temperatures regularly dropping below -60°C.

01:04Yakutsk, the capital of Yakutia, is the coldest city on Earth and is built on continuous permafrost.

02:53In Yakutsk, cars are left running to prevent the engine oil from freezing, and expensive heated garages or car covers called 'Natasha' are used.

06:04Buildings in Yakutsk are built on stilts to create a gap between the warm homes and the permafrost below, preventing ice shifts.

10:08Despite the extreme temperatures, some locals participate in ice bathing, such as members of the Walrus Swimmers Group, to boost their immune system and overcome the cold.