Blagoveshchensk authorities declare a state of emergency due to pouring rains

The authorities of Blagoveshchensk (Russia's Far East) have declared a state of emergency because of heavy rains.

The press service of the city administration has told RIA Novosti this Wednesday that from the night of August 26 to the noon of August 27 about 70 millimetres of precipitation, or over a half of the monthly norm, fell on Blagoveshchensk. Weather forecasts say that rains will continue until Thursday.

On the night of August 27-28 temperatures are expected to drop sharply in the city. Cold arctic winds are approaching the city and the temperature is expected to be 10-15 degrees Centigrade in the daytime and 5-10 degrees Centigrade at night.

Now fire trucks are pumping water out in the most flooded areas.

The centre for control of emergency situations is co-ordinating the work of all departments.

The commission for emergency situations has obliged enterprises, institutions and organisations of all form of ownership to fortify the most dangerous areas to prevent water approach to vital supply lines with sand bags.

Measures will also be carried out to prevent the approach of water to electric power substations. The Blagoveshchensk garrison is ready to dispatch personnel and machinery to eliminate the consequences of the natural disaster.