The city of Orsk in Russia’s southern Orenburg region faced severe flooding, prompting thousands to evacuate as Moscow declared a “federal emergency.” The Ural River, swollen by torrential rain and a dam burst near the Kazakhstan border, flooded over 6,500 homes in the region. Despite the significant impact, authorities reported no critical damage or radiation threats from the nearby Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. However, three individuals were injured in a drone strike related to the flooding.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed the drone incident, aligning with observations at the nuclear site. Russia braces for more flooding in Siberia, with warnings issued for the Kurgan and Tyumen regions due to “nature anomalies.”
In Orenburg, the regional hub, water levels continue rising, affecting hundreds of homes and prompting official warnings of forced evacuations. The situation has also impacted neighboring Kazakhstan, described by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev as one of the worst natural disasters in 80 years.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has been briefed in real-time about the unfolding situation and has directed Siberian regional governors to prepare for the anticipated floods. The federal emergency status allows for enhanced coordination and assistance as the country faces this environmental crisis, marking a significant moment in Russia’s recent history of extreme weather events.
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