Massive landslide forces 342 evacuations in Tyrnyauz, Russia

A large mudflow struck Tyrnyauz in the Elbrussky district of Kabardino‑Balkaria, Russia, at approximately 16:30 local time (LT) on July 31, 2025, prompting the evacuation of 342 residents, including 96 children, and cutting water supply to around 3 000 people.

Heavy rainfall on July 31 triggered a new mudflow along the Gerkhozhan‑Su River, inundating parts of the Gerkhozhan microdistrict and damaging utility infrastructure. The Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) reported that the event began at around 16:30 LT.

Preventive evacuation was ordered for 342 residents—96 of them children—from the Upper and Lower Gerkhozhan districts. Three temporary accommodation centers were opened in school No. 3 in Tyrnyauz and in the nearby villages of Bylym and Kendelen. Residents were transported using municipal buses and instructed to gather at the local mosque prior to departure.

Some reports indicate that around 372 people were evacuated and some reports on social media state over 1 000 evacuation, however these figures have not been confirmed.

The mudflow damaged water and gas pipelines, disrupting water supply to approximately 700 subscribers, which corresponds to about 3 000 people. Gas supply was suspended in several areas, while electricity service remained largely functional.

Municipal crews began delivering water to affected residents later the same day.

Road traffic through the Gerkhozhan microdistrict was suspended during the event. A bypass route toward Nalchik was opened by the morning of August 1, allowing rerouted traffic to resume.

The Elbrussky district remains under a state of emergency declared on July 22, following a previous mudflow that damaged a federal highway bridge and led to the evacuation of more than 40 tourists.

Tyrnyauz and the surrounding region are susceptible to recurrent mudflows due to steep terrain, unstable geological conditions, and periods of intense rainfall.

Similar events in 2000 caused fatalities and severe destruction. In 2018, the High‑Mountain Geophysical Institute recommended reconstruction of the Gerkhozhan‑Su mudflow channel to reduce future risk. A 24/7 mudflow monitoring post was established on the river in 2021.

This marks the second major mudflow event in the region within a span of two weeks. Monitoring and evacuation protocols remain active, and residents living near the mudflow channel have been advised to remain prepared for further evacuations.

Feature image credit: Mina

Rishav Kothari

I am an Assistant Editor and Severe Weather & Science Journalist at The Watchers, specializing in real-time severe weather coverage, geophysical event reporting, and research-driven scientific analysis. You can reach me at rishav(at)watchers(.)news.

Reet Kaur

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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