53 dead in South Russia’s heavy floodsJuly 7, 2012 - 14:17 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - At least 53 people have perished in heavy downpours that caused flooding across the South Russian Krasnodar Territory, the Emergencies Ministry said on Saturday, July 7, according to RIA Novosti. Earlier reports put the death toll at ten people. Most heavily affected is the city of Gelendzhik where five people received electric shock and died after a transformer fell on the ground. Two other bodies were found by rescuers in the debris of a home destroyed by a flash flood. Three other bodies were found in villages near Gelendzhik. The heavy torrential rain began on Friday. All in all, 320 homes and about 1,000 households have been flooded. The emergencies ministry introduced state of emergency in Gelendzhik. Due to security concerns, 17 power substations had been temporarily closed there, leaving about 20,000 people without electricity. “The situation is now returning to normal… new flood alerts have not been issued,” a spokesman for the ministry said. Russia's emeregencies minister and minister of regional development have headed to the flooded region. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |