7 Jul 2012

Scores die in Russian floods

11:07 pm on 7 July 2012

Torrential rains in Russia have caused flash floods and landslides in the south of the country.

At least 43 people died in the town of Krymsk, at least nine in Gelendzhik and two in Novorossiisk, the BBC reports.

The authorities in the Krasnodarsky Krai region say the homes of 13,000 people are affected.

Reports said the floods came at night without warning, catching local residents by surprise.

Officials say emergency teams have been sent from Moscow by plane and helicopter.

The police say the floods were strong enough to knock down traffic lights.

Russia's largest Black Sea port, Novorossiisk, has halted crude oil shipments because of the storm.