MOSCOW, September 25 (RIA Novosti) – Torrential downpours in Russia’s southern resort city Sochi – due to host the Winter Olympic Games in February – led to flooding of streets and homes on Tuesday, but the situation is normalizing and no emergency has been declared, the local branch of the Emergencies Ministry said Wednesday.
Residents were evacuated from about 50 homes in one section of the city, miles-long traffic jams blocked several roads, and a number of flights at Sochi’s regional airport were canceled due to the severe weather.
A local power company, Kubanenergo, said it had cut off power in five regions throughout the city on Tuesday night to avoid electrical hazards and prevent equipment damage that could lead to massive power outages.
Rescue workers are continuing to monitor the situation – keeping a close eye on bridges, oil pipelines and “socially significant sites” – with the help of unmanned drones, the Emergencies Ministry noted, and 25 operational groups are working on rescue and recovery efforts and pumping water.
A storm warning for Sochi, including heavy rains and tornado threats, has been in effect since Monday, but local officials say that the rain is already less heavy than it was. Severe weather conditions are forecast to continue through Wednesday.
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