Dagestan Declares Emergency After Historic Floods

Authorities in Russia's North Caucasus republic of Dagestan declared a state of emergency on Saturday after torrential rains triggered the region's worst flooding in more than a century, leaving hundreds of thousands without power and damaging key infrastructure.

The downpour, the heaviest 24-hour rainfall recorded in Dagestan since 1919, began on Saturday and caused widespread inundation across the republic. No fatalities were reported, though emergency services conducted rescues for some residents trapped by rising waters. The flooding disrupted electricity supplies to numerous towns and villages, with initial estimates indicating around 500,000 customers affected. By midday Sunday, the regional Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that 327,183 people, including 89,705 children, in 283 settlements remained without power due to damaged grids and weather-related failures.

In the capital, Makhachkala, city officials placed emergency services on high alert and pledged assistance to those impacted. "Efforts are under way to deal with the aftermath, and assistance will be provided to affected residents," the administration stated on Telegram. Regional leader Sergei Melikov...