IMI office flooded: journalists left without workspace and equipment

The consequences of russian strikes on the energy sector appeared where they least expected. Due to a prolonged lack of heating and subsequent temperature drops, pipes burst in the Kyiv office of the Institute of Mass Information (IMI). The building was literally flooded with water from the ceiling, which led to critical damage to the infrastructure. Power equipment and protective equipment for media workers were damaged, which is why their issuance was temporarily suspended. The IMI team is forced to look for new premises.

IMI reports this and describes the extent of the damage. In particular, they are as follows:

• Equipment storage: Water flooded the room where bulletproof vests, helmets, first-aid kits, and expensive charging stations, which the organization provides to journalists for work on the front, were stored.
• Electrical network: A short circuit damaged the wiring, which made the office unusable.
• International Hub: The premises of the Center for Press Freedom, which is run by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), were also damaged.

“This incident is another practical dimension of the war that is hitting the infrastructure and working conditions of the media,” emphasized IMI Director Oksana Romaniuk.

Currently, the issuance of protective and energy equipment for media workers is suspended. In contrast, the extent of damage to equipment is being assessed. The organization is preparing to move to a new office.

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This is not the only such case of flooding of media premises due to the situation in the energy sector. Earlier, we reported that the office of the newsroom of Realna Hazeta, relocated to Kyiv, was also flooded due to a heating system failure.