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Peat bog fires create smog in Moscow during worst record heat. The smoke from burning
underground peat bogs near Moscow has pervaded the city, intensifying smog and a creating
a sharply distinctive smell. As toxic particles such as ash have become concentrated at five
to eight times the normal levels, Russian health officials have cautioned residents
to stay indoors. The adverse health effects are made worse by the excessive heat, with
Moscow reaching a sweltering record 37.8 degrees Celsius, the hottest ever since records began
130 years ago. Internationally renowned biologist and head of the Russian Green Party, Dr. Alexei
Yablokov, warned that hundreds could lose their lives from the high concentration of
toxic particles and gases. At the same time, states of emergency have been declared in
23 crop-producing regions throughout the nation, with Agriculture Minister Yelena Skrynnik
saying that the scorching heat and drought have now damaged nearly one-third of total
cultivated lands, or 10.1 million hectares. Meanwhile, firefighters are currently working
to contain about 340 forest fires, with nearly 450,000 hectares that have been consumed since
the start of the fires this summer. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has asked the
Emergency and Economy Ministries for financial assistance to provide relief especially for
the blazes around Moscow.
We send our earnest thanks, Your Excellency, other officials and firefighters for your
efforts to mitigate the blazes and safeguard public health. Our prayers for the protection
of the Russian people and that such dangerous conditions lessen with our every effort to
provide more caring stewardship for the ecosphere�