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In Photos: Murmansk Left in the Dark After Arctic Storm Batters Power Grid

Russia's northern Murmansk region is under a state of emergency after a strong winter storm damaged the aging power grid, leaving parts of the region without electricity for days.

The storm damaged five transmission towers on Friday, cutting power to parts of the cities of Murmansk and Severomorsk. Authorities have since launched a criminal investigation into possible negligence.

Temperatures in the region are expected to drop to minus 28 degrees Celsius (minus 18.4 degrees Fahrenheit) in the coming days as efforts to restore power continue.

Here is a look at scenes from Murmansk amid the blackout: