Severe flash floods in Krasnodar region, southern Russia

At least 6 people have been killed and several injured after severe flash floods hit Krasnodar region of southern Russia on October 24 and 25, 2018. The regional governor declared a state of emergency.

Heavy rains affected much of Black Sea coast, from the town of Dzhubga in the northwest to the city of Sochi in southeastern parts of the Krasnodar coast.

Around 2 000 homes have been flooded in Apsheronsk alone, including those of 6 the reported casualties.

The power supply was disrupted, as well as road and railway traffic and even water supply in the Krasnodar region.

There are interruptions in electricity and gas supply, TASS reports. About 30 settlements were flooded, roads and railways were damaged, several bridges and approaches to them were destroyed. 

Tuapse (population 60 000) was left without water. 

A crucial bridge in the western part of Sochi was destroyed by the flood, effectively cutting road connection with most the city from the rest of Russia. The traffic may be restored by the end of the week.

Bad weather is expected to continue until October 26 or early October 27. 

Residents are advised to keep away from areas prone to landslides.

The region’s coastal terrain means it regularly has to deal with flash flooding, RT reports. "It has the sad distinction of being the place of one of the deadliest disaster of this kind in Russia’s history, the 2012 tragedy in Krymsk. The town is located on the mainland side of the mountain range and was devastated when unprecedentedly heavy rains caused a 3-meter high (9 feet) waterfront in which some 170 residents were killed."

Featured image: Bridge collapse in Sochi, Krasnodar, Russia October 25, 2018