RUSSIA: RUSSIAN ARCTIC (V)
(21 Sep 2000) Voice and effects
VOICED BY TARA OGDEN
XFA
In the Russian far north winter is already settling in.
The Dolgon people, have lived here for centuries, and they are used to the snow and temperatures that can plunge to minus 60.
But under the Soviet system, life was more cozy, supply vessels made once a year trip to far-flung villages along the Arctic coast.
Today, since the demise of communism, this supply system has fallen apart making an already difficult life nearly impossible.
00 UPSOUND
01 A supply ship heads for Russia's arctic coast.
It's bringing food, medicine and, most importantly, a lot of warm clothing for people in Russia's far north.
In Soviet times, this system was subsidised, but since the end of communism, the people have had to depend on international organisations.
17 With temperatures plummeting, it needs an escort of two nuclear-powered icebreakers.
21 The Red Cross is organising this trip - and hopes to supply 60% of the region's needs.
29 SOUNDBITE: (English)
"During the Soviet Union times they experienced no problems at all because they were supplied with everything that was needed. After the Soviet Union break down: no system, no transport lines, no fuel."
SUPERCAPTION: Vladimir Melnikov, Logistics Officer, Red Cross
45 From the port, provisions are carried by helicopter to towns and villages.
When a helicopter arrives, it's always a big day.
52 Some settlements here can be as small as just one family, and sometimes they live hundreds of kilometres from one another.
59 People hunt the tundra and fish for food, but inflation means they can't afford to buy basic goods.
106 SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"We used buy a lot of flour for 100 rubles, now the same amount costs 1208 rubles. We cannot afford to buy anything."
SUPER CAPTION: Uksusnikova's wife - name unavailable)
114 With the lack of government support, many are choosing to leave. But there are many who have nowhere else to go.
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