Climate change appears to have played a role in a 24-hour torrential rain storm that passed over the Black Sea region of Russia last weekend, sparking severe flash flooding and killing at least 171 people, the majority of whom were elderly and could not make it to safety in time. Today has been declared a day of mourning for the flood victims.
In addition to the dead, more than 300 people sought medical assistance, more than 500 homes were flooded, and five people were electrocuted when power lines crashed into the water.
CBC News reports that the rain storm dropped 300 millimeters of water in less than 24 hours. That’s five times the average monthly rainfall, according to the state meteorological service. Residents of Krymsk, which was torn up by the flooding, described a wave so large it washed over cars and beat on one-story homes.
Many Krymsk citizens believe that the flooding was also due, in part, to the release of water from a reservoir in the mountains. Government officials deny this theory, having inspected the reservoir via helicopter.
Residents of the now devastated region say they weren’t given adequate warning of the storm or the potential for flash flooding. Authorities today admitted their failure to properly warn citizens about the flooding. The Emergencies Ministry said that warnings were sent via text message, but that they were not able to reach everyone in time. In addition, the city of Krymsk set off a siren at about 4:30 a.m., but many residents did not hear it.
Main photo credit: Arria Belli/Flickr