Flood damages in Southern Russia estimated at $30 mln

The Russian emergencies ministry roughly estimates the damage done by the recent flood on the Krasnodar territory, Southern Russia, at 900 million rubles, or $30 million. The flood was caused by ice masses that jammed local rivers after a spell of unusually severe frost.

According to the ministry's information, 1,200 people who were forced out of their houses by the flood have by now returned home. The water level in local rivers has dropped below the critical mark, but more than 120 dwelling-houses are still partially deluged.

A government commission arrived in the emergency area on Wednesday to liquidate the consequences of the flood.