Authorities in the Far East region of Russia’s Sakha (Yakutia) have declared a state of emergency after seasonal flooding caused by the Lena River overflowing submerged hundreds of homes and forced residents to seek shelter in temporary accommodations. Approximately 450 homes and over 550 land plots have been affected, leading to the displacement of more than 300 residents, including 71 children, who have been placed in temporary shelters. Videos shared on social media depict entire villages underwater and rescue workers navigating the affected areas by boat.
Sakha Governor Aysen Nikolaev declared a regional emergency due to the challenging flood situation in several districts of the republic. The village of Khatyryk, which has not experienced flooding in about a century, has been especially hard-hit by the current flooding. During a visit to the affected areas, the governor heard from residents who described the water coming in quickly and in waves, a phenomenon they had not encountered before. Russia’s Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov is expected to visit Sakha to assess the situation firsthand.
Seasonal flooding caused by melting ice is a common occurrence in certain regions of Russia. However, heavy rainfall combined with unusually warm spring weather has resulted in severe flooding in Russia’s Urals and western Siberia over the past two months. This has added to the challenges faced by communities already grappling with the impacts of the ongoing flooding. The situation has prompted authorities to take urgent measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents affected by the rising waters.
In response to the flooding crisis, the government of Sakha has mobilized resources to provide assistance to those affected. Emergency services are working to rescue residents stranded in flooded areas and to provide them with necessary support. Efforts are being made to ensure that those displaced by the flooding have access to temporary shelters, food, and other essential supplies. The declaration of a state of emergency reflects the severity of the situation and the need for coordinated action to address the immediate needs of the affected population.
As the flooding crisis unfolds in Sakha, there is a call for support from the public to aid in the ongoing relief efforts. The Moscow Times, an independent news source, has been unjustly labeled as a “foreign agent” by the Russian government, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists striving to provide accurate and unbiased reporting. Despite these obstacles, the commitment to transparent journalism remains steadfast, and donations from the public play a crucial role in supporting the vital work of journalists in delivering critical information to the public.
In the face of adversity, the community in Sakha is coming together to support one another and navigate through the challenges posed by the flooding. The resilience and determination of the residents in the affected areas, along with the support from emergency services and government authorities, are key in responding to the crisis and ensuring the safety and well-being of all those impacted by the floods. By working together and showing solidarity, communities can recover from the devastation caused by natural disasters and rebuild stronger for the future.
