UPDATED July 8, 2012
States of emergency declared in S. Russian cities of Krymsk, Novorossiysk, and Gelendzhik
At least 141 people have been killed, 1,500 displaced and up to 15,000 others severely affected by extreme rain events, flooding and landslides in the Krasnodar region, southern Russia.
- Krasnodar Territory, Russia. Severe flooding caused by extreme rain events has claimed at least 141 lives (death toll continues to rise as more bodies are discovered) across the South Russian Krasnodar Territory, reports said.
- States of emergency have been declared in the cities of Gelendzhik, Krymsk and Novorossiysk, afetr a massive storm swept through the region dumping more than 6 months worth of rain in less than two days.
- “Over a meter of water crashed over the intersection of Ostrovsky and Kirov Street in the center of Gelendzhik, ripping up the pavement and sweeping away everything in its path. According to the city administration, 5,000 homes have been flooded.” RT reported.
- Flooding has left thousands of people displaced or severely affected.
- “One third of Krymsk is still submerged, with the water only receding in certain areas, complicating rescue efforts. Rescuers have already retrieved over 6,000 survivors from rooftops and trees.”
- Krasnodar Governor called the flooding, storms and landslides the worst disaster in at least 70 years.
- The affected area is said to be very large, and damage widespread.
- Parts of the Northern-Caucasus railroad have been washed out.
- Many regional roads are impassible.
- “It is spectacular, to be sure, and very tragic. The water came with such force that it tore up the asphalt,” said the Governor of the Krasnodar region.
- “Eyewitnesses claim a 7-meter wave struck Krymsk in the middle of the night,” said RT.
- “It all happened during the night. People just ran from their homes, because there was a huge wave of water, nobody warned them. Two-story houses were flooded up to the second floor. The water came on very fast. It wasn’t rain.” Anna Kovalyovskaya, whose parents are currently in the flood zone, told the Russian News Service.
“I don’t know if this is official information or not, but in the city they are saying that they opened the water reservoir in the mountains above the city. That’s where the wave came from. In the city all of a sudden there was 7 meters of water. There was certainly a large storm beforehand, but the water came on so quick that in 15 minutes everything was flooded.”
Other Global Disasters/ Significant Events
Minnesota: Major Disaster Declared in Minnesota due to Extreme Weather Events
The Disaster President has declared a major disaster exists the State of Minnesota affected by severe storms and flooding during the period of June 14-21, 2012.
- The declaration was issued for 13 Minnesota counties and three tribal nations: Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Crow Wing, Dakota, Goodhue, Kandiyohi, Lake, Meeker, Pine, Rice, Sibley and St. Louis counties, as well as the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.
- FEMA said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.
- See also: Extreme Weather Event Forces MN Gov to Declare State of Emergency across 8 Counties
Drought Disaster in South Dakota
- Butte County Commissioners have declared a drought disaster in the County amid scarce rainfall since 2011.
- Inadequate precipitation since last summer has caused drought conditions, which has had an “enormous effect on the production capabilities of the agricultural industry, which in turn severely affects the entire local economy,” the Commissioners said in a statement.
South Dakota Drought Map released July 3, 2012. Source: U.S. Drought Monitor. Location of Butte County is enclosed in red.
- SD Drought Conditions (July 3, 2012)
- D0 – D2: 95.98%
- D1 – D2: 47.25%
- D2 : 3.19%
British Columbia, Canada
Toxic seepage from tailings pond at an old zinc and lead mine has forced the authorities to declare a state of emergency in the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK).
- Heavy rainfall has raised the water level in the region and there is “ongoing seepage” from sections of the toxic pond, reports said.
Continued Flooding in Britain
More than 200 flood warnings and flood alerts remain in effect throughout England and Wales, with at least 13 flood warnings in Scotland.
- Extreme rain events and landslides have brought disruption to the roads and railroads in parts of the UK, a report said.
- Residents of Sheepy Magna village in Leicestershire have been evacuated after flooding, the report said.
- Floodwaters have inundated many homes and business at various location.
- An undisclosed number of people have been displaced due to widespread flooding.
- See also: Storms and floods Cause Chaos in the UK Posted on June 30, 2012
Related Links
- Drought Disaster Declared in Montana Posted on July 5, 2012
- Colorado Declared Agri Disaster Area Posted on July 4, 2012
- Disaster Declared in 94 Counties across 4 States Posted on July 3, 2012
- Deadly Heat Blankets Eastern U.S. Posted on July 2, 2012
- Deadly Heat Wave Affects Third of U.S. Population Posted on June 30, 2012
- The record-setting heat wave continues to expand Posted on June 30, 2012
- Explosive Wildfires Continue Erupting Across the U.S. Posted on June 29, 2012
- Destructive Wildfire Activity Intensifies in Colorado Posted on June 28, 2012
- Drought 2012