Devastating Floods Kill More Than 100 in Russia
- Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:46pm by
Erica Ritz
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(Ignat Kozlov / AP)
(AP) — Intense flooding in the Black Sea region of southern Russia killed 103 people after torrential rains dropped nearly a foot of water, forcing many to scramble out of their beds for refuge in trees and on roofs, officials said Saturday.
Many people were asleep when the flooding hit overnight in the Krasnodar region, and the water rushed into the area around the hard-hit town of Krimsk with such speed and volume that rumors emerged that local officials had opened a nearby water reservoir. Muddy water coursed through streets and homes, in some cases high enough to flow over the hoods of cars and even as high as rooftops, according to witnesses.
People waded through waist-high water or maneuvered the streets in boats on Saturday. About 5,000 residences were flooded, the Krasnodar governor was quoted as telling the Interfax news agency.
Russia Today has stunning video:
“Nobody remembers such a flood in all (of the area’s) history,” Alexander Tkachev said.
The Interior Ministry gave the death toll as 103 on Saturday evening, according to Russian news agencies; a regional ministry spokesman said earlier that at least 67 of the deaths were around Krimsk, about 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) south of Moscow. Five people were electrocuted in the Black Sea coastal city of Gelendzhik after a transformer fell into the water, state news agency RIA Novosti said.
Anna Kovalevskaya, whose parents live in the flooded area, described water inundating their home up to the roof.
“In the town, people are saying that a reservoir in the mountains above was opened,” she told the Moscow-based radio station Russian News Service. “A wave came from there. There was seven meters (22 feet) of water in the town.”
An aerial view of the devastation (Photo: Screen Shot/BBC)
Tkachev reacted angrily to the speculation, saying on his Twitter account: “Stop spreading stupid rumors … Now is the time to get through things together, not mock.”
President Vladimir Putin flew to the region Saturday evening, viewing the damage from a helicopter. He will also meet with regional officials in Krimsk.
State news channel Rossiya 24 showed video of area residents rescuing people in small, inflatable boats and others slogging glumly through flooded homes.
“It came so fast!” exclaimed one woman, whose name was not given, waving an arm in frustration at the shin-deep water in her living room, where a large teddy bear sat on a sofa.
A woman wears a life jacket while walking through the street (Photo: Screen Shot/BBC)
More than 28 centimeters (11 inches) of rain had fallen in Gelendzhik since the previous evening, the state meteorological service said.
Gelendzhik is on the Black Sea coast, and along with the area around it, is a popular summer vacation spot, including many children’s camps. Vice-premier Olga Golodets told RIA Novosti that some 7,100 children were at holiday camps in the area, and that 459 children had to be evacuated.
The area also includes Novorossiisk, a major Black Sea port. The Transneft oil company said Saturday it has suspended loading oil onto tankers at the port because of the severe weather.
More than 1,500 Emergency Ministry officials were working to aid flood victims and clean up the damage, state TV said.
The Guardian has more shocking video:
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Arshloch
Posted on July 9, 2012 at 2:13pmDon’t fret, there are plenty more where those came from.
Report Post »blackyb
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 6:44pmThat is said. It is happening in many places. It would be wise to pray, for every knee will bow and every will see and many will call up the name of the Lord Jesue before it is all said and done. I hope they can pray. If they cannot, pray anyway.
Report Post »ConservativeMomofFour
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 7:23pmI think God is trying to tell them something.
Report Post »Jackoniell123
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 5:46pmHow long until they start blaming this on global warming?
Report Post »Gypsy123
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 5:34pmI believe Russia is mentioned attacking Gods country. And when that happens there will be more than floods killing their people.
Report Post »rickc34
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 6:13pmRussia is mentioned in Revelation as one of the nations to attack Israel. also their past dealings with Israel and the Jews still living in Russia. It is hard when those not directly involved share in the curse , but when things are good share in the blessing. God made a promise to Abraham and God does not go back on his word. Global warming is coming 2nd Peter Chapter 3 verse 10
Report Post »libsaredangerous
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 8:18amThis is sad. I pray for the families. What would fix this is a global tax. It is clear that suv’s are the cause of the flood and a tax would discourage these weatheqr events from happening.
Report Post »DGSTRACK
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 1:28pmLOL! Absolutely! Where’s Al Gore when you need him?
Report Post »idarusskie
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 12:26amI was in Tuapse and Krandar in 2001. They had a snow storm that knocked out 300 power poles. Krasnadar is some distance from the coast but the coastal mountains are steep. I can see 11 inches funneling things and causing problems. I can also see them having to let water go because the lake was having problems with that much water. I can also say the zoning rules are not enforced there for small homes. crappy construction means problems for people. The children would be at resorts where the government owned building would be more substantial.
Report Post »COFemale
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 7:20pmTragedy strikes when you least expect it and those affected are living the moment. We can make snide remarks about Putin or the Russian people and how somehow the victims are at fault. This kind of talk serves no purpose, other than to make yourselves look like an A$$. My heart goes out to the country and those affected. They are still human beings.
Report Post »Daveed
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 9:26pmYou are obviously not of Russian descent. Once KGB always KGB. Truth has no agenda. It is not snideness, it is fact.
Report Post »Jesus died for us while we were yet sinners. That does not mean you are saved. You must with a sincere repentent heart ask for forgiveness and believe on him and ask him into your life. Christ is a gentleman. Putin is not. Communism isn’t piety, political correctness or holier than thou attitude and it is not pretty. Would you hug a snake? Did you hear something I didn‘t or read something I didn’t read in this article? Did Putin renounce Godless Communism, did he have a spiritual epiphany? Did he ask forgiveness for all the lives that ended under hammer and sickle ideology of heartlessness?
Daveed
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:30pm“Vice-premier Olga Golodets told RIA Novosti that some 7,100 children were at holiday camps in the area, and that 459 children had to be evacuated.”
Report Post »Over seven thousand children attending camps? What holiday is it?
I am sorry for the flooding. I pray the water recedes quickly and that Putin uses the money he ususally sends to 3rd world countries for weapons of mass destrustions, tanks etc. and provides your town with expert clean up services and aide with fresh water, fresh food,clothing and the likes.
idarusskie
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 12:14amholiday as in vacation. ( British English)
Report Post »rickc34
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:26pmMy prayers go out to the Russian people.
Report Post »Constantine Ivanov
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:06pmI remember as Americans were indignant at Palestinians who rejoiced when Americans died in 9/11.
Report Post »How much different are Americans scoffing at Russians now?
Constantine Ivanov
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:00pmWhat if Russians wrote the same stinky garbage if Americans died in a flood?
Report Post »No shame in America anymore?
Constantine Ivanov
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:08pmI remember how Americans were indignant at Palestinians who rejoiced when Americans died in 9/11.
Report Post »How much different are Americans who are scoffing at Russians now?
PATRIOT
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:10pmIf I were able I would be willing to go there to help out. I truly hope no one else is harmed. To the people of Russia I express my sorrow and sympathy for the loss of life and damage.
Report Post »Constantine Ivanov
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 10:21pm@PATRIOT
The Russian government is as arrogant as ours and they usually spit at the people; therefore, they wouldn’t allow any foreign help.
But you have shown a great heart, thank you.
Report Post »libsaredangerous
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 8:11amJust like so many, including Russians who were freed by America, after Katrina? America is so generous and people around the worked think it is our obligation to hpay. It isn’t.
Report Post »swamp_donkey
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 5:09pmlike katrina?
Report Post »LASTBOYSCOUT001
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:06pmInstead of typing sarcastic remarks, your thoughts and sympathy, plus prayers should be directed towards all those families that lost love ones. Aren’t we a bunch of morons.
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:34pmSee, don’t vote for Putin, and he releases the water. But then again, if we offer any monetary support to Russia, let’s just buy their oil instead of sending cash.
Report Post »rushman71
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:33pmVe must dlink vodka, then ve vill all be hoppy!!!
Report Post »Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:58pmIf they drank beer, they would be “Hoppy”
Report Post »Kalevipoeg
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:28pmThat’s horrible… A US private charity’s offer of support would go miles in relations.
“With charity for all and malice toward none”
Report Post »woodyl1011fl
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 6:14pmOur hearts and prayers go out to these people in this horrible event. Unless of course you are a democrat party leader and voter they have charity for no one. They‘ll tel you this all Bush’s fault let‘em all live with it unless they will contribute to BHO’s campaign then we will talk. Even Putin can’t stand our narcissistic fascist Marxist buffoon.
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 4:02pmLet’s see who rebuilds 1st. Let’s see who gets off their dead butts and do something. Russian peasants in a backward nation, or those wonderful citizens in New Orleans. My money is on the Russians.
Report Post »iratd
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:00pmApparently you haven’t been around the Mississippi when it floods. Looks the same to me. BTW, what happened in Russia can’t be compared to New Orleans, not even close.
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 9:56pmIR..they’ve had how many years head start cleaning up.
Report Post »libsaredangerous
Posted on July 8, 2012 at 8:15amThere are still people in New Orleans? My bet Is on the Russians, too . Too much money in USA given to be a victim. Gotta milk it.
Report Post »The_Almighty_Creestof
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:52pmIt’s a good start.
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:25pmI have nothing against the Russian people.
Report Post »riseandshine
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 5:39pmAn outbreak of the “honesty flu” in Washington D.C. would be a good start.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 7, 2012 at 3:50pmBetter send the a few hundred billion Barry, gotta keep that ‘restart’ on track.
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