The Ural Mountains in Russia are facing a crisis as floodwaters continue to rise, causing widespread devastation. Thousands of homes have been flooded, forcing residents to evacuate to safety.
Recent days have seen some of the worst floods in decades across various regions in the Ural Mountains and Siberia, as well as parts of Kazakhstan. The Ural river, originating in the mountains and flowing into the Caspian Sea, experienced a rapid increase in water levels, breaching a dam in Orsk.
Russian Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov has taken charge of rescue operations in Orsk, where the situation is dire. He has called for a federal emergency response to address the crisis effectively.
Over 4,000 individuals have been rescued in Orsk, with significant parts of the city submerged under water. Dramatic footage shows people navigating through flooded streets, saving animals, and using boats for transportation.
The governor of the Orenburg region described the floods as the worst on record, highlighting the severity of the situation. With flood warnings issued in other areas, officials are bracing for a potential escalation of the crisis.
Mayor Sergei Salmin of Orenburg emphasized the critical nature of the flood situation, warning that water levels are expected to rise further in the coming days. The region remains on high alert as emergency workers continue their efforts to assist residents.
Article from www.aljazeera.com
