MAKHACHKALA, Russia (VGMG) — At least six people, including three minors, have died and more than 6,200 residents have been affected by flooding in Russia’s Dagestan republic since late March, regional and federal authorities said.
The Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations (EMERCOM) declared a federal-level emergency for Dagestan and neighboring Chechnya on April 9, elevating the response to coordinate resources across multiple regions.
Heavy rainfall beginning March 28 triggered flash floods and landslides across the North Caucasus. A second wave of flooding occurred April 5-6 after reservoir levels exceeded capacity and a dam breach was reported near the village of Mamedkala in Derbent district.
As of April 9, EMERCOM reported 1,091 residential buildings and 1,146 household plots remained flooded across eight communities in Dagestan, with 70 road sections damaged or impassable. At the peak of the disruption, more than 500,000 residents lost electrical power.
Authorities evacuated 3,338 people, including 1,033 children, from affected areas. Fifty-five temporary accommodation centers were established, housing more than 700 displaced residents.
Russian Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov led a federal task force to Makhachkala on April 9 to assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. The government has allocated initial funding for emergency repairs and direct payments to affected households.
The Russian Red Cross and neighboring republics have delivered food, water, blankets and hygiene supplies to distribution points in Makhachkala, Khasavyurt and Derbent. A regional relief fund raised more than 550 million rubles ($6 million) as of April 9 for housing repairs and emergency assistance.
Weather services forecast improving conditions in the region, though hydrological monitoring continues due to seasonal snowmelt in mountainous areas.