Russia Declares Federal Emergency As Floodwaters Force Evacuations

A video grab released by Russia's Emergency Situations Ministry shows workers rescuing personal belongings and pets from homes in Orsk, where floodwaters reached first-floor windows on April 7.

In response to a devastating dam breach that has submerged more than 10,000 homes, Russian authorities have declared a federal emergency in flood-hit areas. 


 

Residents being evacuated by raft amid the floodwaters in Orsk.

More than 10,400 homes across nearly 40 regions of Russia have been flooded due to heavy rains and snowmelt, with more flash flooding expected, the Russian Emergency Situations Ministry's press service said on April 8.



 

The dam, located in the city of Orsk, some 1,800 kilometers east of Moscow, burst after meltwater rose several meters in just hours on April 5. A criminal investigation into the construction of the dam has been launched by Russian prosecutors.

Police officers stand watch while people in Orsk rely on rubber rafts to navigate the floodwaters.

 

A view of Gagarin Square in Orsk inundated with floodwaters.

A woman and her cat are pulled to safety.

Over 4,000 people, including 800 children, were forced to evacuate their homes in Orsk, the regional government said. 

 

Crosses stand above the floodwaters in a cemetery in Orsk.

Regional authorities said they found four people dead in the flood zone. The authorities said two died of heart attacks and one committed suicide. The cause of the fourth death was not specified, but was designated as "natural," state-owned RIA Novosti reported.

An aerial view reveals the inundation of the village of Kholuy by the swollen Teza River, situated some 280 kilometers northeast of Moscow.



 

A view of the swollen Teza River in the village of Kholuy





 

A man works to protect his vegetable garden from encroaching floodwater.

Flooding has also been reported across Siberia, the Volga, and central regions of Russia.