Dagestan, Russia – The Russian Republic of Dagestan is facing a critical humanitarian and security situation following a massive wave of flooding caused by record-breaking rainfall. Local authorities have announced the start of large-scale evacuations, affecting more than 460 homes in the village of Adilyutar, Khasavyurt district, after the area was completely submerged.
Evacuation operations under critical conditions
Bagutdin Mamayev, acting head of the Khasavyurt district, stated that the situation in the village of Adilyutar had reached a “very critical level,” with 468 homes flooded. He explained in comments carried by RIA Novosti that rescue teams were using heavy vehicles (UAZ and KamAZ trucks) to evacuate stranded residents to safety. As a precaution, authorities evacuated 43 patients from a medical facility in the village of Butayret. Authorities also established three temporary shelters to accommodate those affected.
Paralysis of services and a state of emergency
Storms that struck the country on Saturday caused widespread water and electricity outages. More than 500,000 people were left without power at the height of the crisis.
Consequently, authorities declared a state of maximum alert across the republic until Monday. A state of emergency was also officially declared in the capital, Makhachkala, amid reports of a severe situation in other major cities such as Derbent, Dagestansky Uzhne, and Khasavyurt.
For his part, regional governor Sergei Melikov confirmed that the rainfall was unprecedented, directing that urgent financial assistance be provided to the affected municipalities to compensate for losses and rehabilitate infrastructure.
Emergency teams are working around the clock to clear blocked roads and address the aftermath of the floods, which have isolated entire villages. Warnings have also been issued about continued unstable weather conditions that could worsen the plight of thousands of displaced families.
