10,400 Homes Flooded in Russia as Melting Snow Swells Rivers

More than 10,400 homes across Russia were flooded as fast melting snow in the mountains swelled rivers leading to sudden increase in their water levels, informed Russia’s emergency ministry.

The Ural River, which rises in the Ural Mountains and flows into the Caspian Sea, swelled several metres in just hours on Friday due to the melted water. The flood water burst through a dam embankment in the city of Orsk.

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

Russia’s emergency ministry predicted an increase in air temperatures, active snow melt and river openings in coming days. According to the ministry, more than 10,400 residential buildings remain flooded in 39 regions of the country.