Flash floods in Russia claim at least 171 lives

Russia has been hit by an unprecedented calamity when flash floods in the Black Sea region took the country unawares and initial reports indicate at least 171 lives having been lost as reported in nzherald.co.nz dated 9th of July 2012.

President Vladimir Putin has rushed to the location and has asked for details from his administration as to whether the citizens had been given sufficient advance warning about the impending dangers.

It seems torrential rains had led to water logging to the extent of nearly one foot of water within 24-hours – this was, apparently, 5-times the normal monthly average.

This water rushed with tremendous force into the nearby town of Krymsk and the residents assumed that water had been released from the reservoir to prevent overflowing.

Relief measures have been taken up for the population of 57,000 in the city – food and drinking water apart from clean clothes are being distributed. Once the flood waters recede, necessary assistance would be provided to clean up the residual wastes and debris from the homes.

The popular seaside resort of Gelendzhik was also affected - preparations are under way here for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

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