Russia’s Emergencies Minister, Vladimir Puchkov, confirmed in a statement yesterday that 12,000 people, across 119 communities in 18 regions, have now been affected by the recent floods in the country. The minister added that more than 8,000 homes have suffered damage.
Much of the flooding is a result of either snow melt or ice jams on rivers. Areas of the Ural, Siberian and Northwestern Federal Districts have all been affected, in particular the regions of Vologda, Tyumen and Sverdlovskaya.
Minister Puchkov said that Russia’s Emergency Control Ministry (EMERCOM) has taken measures taken to minimize risks of flooding.
“The flooded settlements are being protected, the population is being informed and provided with everything necessary, the situation is being constantly monitored, residential areas are being constantly controlled and other measures are being taken.”
The spring floods, expected each year in many parts of Russia, are “developing in accordance with the forecast,” according to Minister Puchkov.
Flooding is likely to continue and adverse situations are forecast for the large rivers of Siberia and the Far East, in particular the Yenisei, Lena, Amur and their tributaries. These rivers are being constantly monitored, EMERCOM says.
