Russians grieving over damage to magical forests surrounding Siberia's jewel.
After the flames, we can now see all too clearly the desecration of pristine forests rising above Baikal. Picture: Anna Baskakova
Recent weeks have seen shocking fires around the world's oldest and deepest lake, home to 20% of the world's unfrozen freshwater. And after the flames, we can now see all too clearly the desecration of pristine forests rising above Baikal.
Pictures of the fast-spreading fires that we highlight here were taken by Anna Baskakova, posted on 16 August.
Those of the sad aftermath, the evidence of the ruination of the lake's hinterland, are from Oksana Gromyko, who wrote: 'We returned to Peschanaya (Sandy) Bay on 24 and 25 August.
'Earlier we had to be evacuated from the bay on 9 August. I felt I just had to get back. 'I do not comment myself and I'm not asking anyone to express their opinion.
Pictures of the fast-spreading fires that we highlight here were taken by Anna Baskakova, posted on 16 August.
'I just want to remind that the fire began at the end of June. Huge thanks to Nikolay, director of 'Peschanaya' tourist base, and all his team who decided to stay and fight (the flames) - and won against the inferno, managing to save metres and metres of green forest.
'And a big 'no thanks' to people who - despite constant calls and begging for help - allowed this catastrophe to happen. There was a chance to prevent it, because the fire took a long time to get so strong.'
She captioned her pictures reflecting the distraught feelings of many Russians who love this lake: 'Sinichka Bay looks like a valley of hot springs, with the earth burning to the touch, and open fires all around.
'Babushka Bay with the shore covered in charcoal and black and yellow mountains, covered in smoke. This road to the viewing point rock reminds of a horror film. Fire traces as far as you can see on the horizon. This is where I sat for hours, enjoying view of endless green carpet'. Pictures: Oksana Gromyko
'They tried to stop fire with all they could, but there was no chance to get it done without special equipment.'
'Babushka Bay with the shore covered in charcoal and black and yellow mountains, covered in smoke. This road to the viewing point rock reminds of a horror film. Fire traces as far as you can see on the horizon. This is where I sat for hours, enjoying view of endless green carpet'.
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