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In Places Where Thermometers Can Reach −70 °C, Survival Depends on Adapted Infrastructure, Technology, and Human Resilience to Withstand Extreme Climatic Conditions
For many, winter means a few months of cold. But there is a place where temperatures can drop below -70 °C and the ground never thaws. This place is Oymyakon, in Russia, considered the coldest inhabited settlement in the world.
The small Siberian village faces extreme conditions, where survival requires resilience and adaptation. The residents have developed strategies to cope with this reality, with daily challenges in the intense cold.
How Oymyakon Became the Coldest Town
Oymyakon emerged as a stopping point for reindeer herders. Over time, a small community spread in the area, despite the freezing temperatures.
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In 1924, the location recorded -71.2 °C, the lowest temperature ever measured in an inhabited place. The intense cold is due to the region’s geography. The village is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, preventing the entry of warmer winds. The cold air gets trapped, creating an extreme climate for almost the entire year.
Daily Life in the Coldest Place in the World
Living in Oymyakon means facing daily challenges. Extreme cold affects everything from food to transportation.
- Nothing Grows in the Ground — The frozen ground prevents agriculture. The local diet is based on reindeer meat, frozen fish, and dairy products.
- Running Water Doesn’t Work — The cold freezes the pipes. Residents fetch water from wells or store it at home.
- Cars Cannot Be Turned Off — Engines freeze and may stop working if turned off in winter.
- Clothing is a Matter of Survival — Going out without several layers of thermal clothing can be dangerous, as exposure to the intense cold can be fatal.
- Activities Continue Normally — Schools and businesses operate. Only when temperatures drop below -50°C are classes suspended.
Facts About Oymyakon
In addition to the extreme cold, Oymyakon has some particularities that make life even more challenging.
- Winter Almost All Year Round — Snow covers the region for nine months. Summer lasts only a few weeks and can reach 20°C.
- Caution When Blinking — In temperatures below -50°C, tears can freeze instantly.
- Cell Phones Don’t Work — The cold drains batteries quickly and can break the screens of electronic devices.
- Frozen Meat Outdoors — In the market, food is left outside of refrigerators and frozen naturally.
- Extreme Days and Nights — In winter, there are only three hours of sunlight per day. In summer, the sun can shine for up to 21 hours.
Main Economic Activities
Oymyakon’s main economic activity is mining. Some activities are government-funded, such as gold extraction. There are also antimony mines, a type of rare and valuable metal. In addition, the local population survives by raising animals, such as cattle and horses, as well as hunting reindeer and moose and fishing in frozen lakes.
Another activity showing slight growth is tourism, attracting between 300 and 400 visitors a year. Tourists brave the freezing cold to participate in reindeer races, ice fishing, and soaking in hot springs. The exotic beauty of the landscape is also a draw, with a sacred lake and mountains forming the backdrop of the remote Siberian town.
How Residents Cope With the Cold?
The population of Oymyakon, about 500 people, has developed strategies to confront the cold. The houses are well insulated and heated with wood or electricity. A protein-rich diet helps maintain body temperature.
Even with extreme conditions, local traditions continue. Typical festivals, sled races, and other activities are part of daily life.
Oymyakon is one of the most extreme places on the planet. To survive, one must be prepared and know how to deal with temperatures that challenge human limits.
For those seeking adventure, visiting the village can be an unforgettable experience. But it is essential to be ready to face a cold that few have ever felt.
With information from Correio Braziliense.
Deve ser muito difícil chegar a este lugar. A reportagem não menciona se há aeroportos lá, ou por perto.
Aqui, do país tropical rem que ser tem melhor!
Mas, a reportagem mostra a capacidade de adaptação do ser humano!
Boa Noite
Estou congelado só em ler Reportagem