An image of the Black Sea. The peninsula to the top is owned by the Russian Federation and is the area affected by the flooding.(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Intense flooding in the Black Sea region of the Russian Federation has killed a total of 103 so far. Torrential rains dropped nearly a foot of water over the Black Sea area of Russia. The rain also overflowed several resivoirs in a few towns that sent waves, some seven feet high, rushed at such a speed that at least a dozen or so people were killed by them. Many people were asleep when the flooding hit overnight in the Black Sea region, and the water rushed into the area around the hard-hit town of Krimsk with such speed and volume that rumours emerged that local officials had opened a nearby water reservoir. Muddy water coursed through streets and homes, in some cases high enough to flow over the hoods of cars and even as high as rooftops, according to witnesses.

About 5000 people are currently affected by the floods, many more could be as the weather in the region has been unpredictable in recent days. More than 1,500 Emergency Ministry officials were working to aid flood victims and clean up the damage, state TV stated today. Relief from the flooding is expected soon. Damage amounts are currently unknown but are expected to be in the $600,000-$1,500,000 range. Tourism may be affected also as the Black Sea is one of Russia’s most prominent tourist areas, so should flooding damage not be repaired, tourism will certainly be affected. The question remains though, will the death toll rise as more workers pour in from the Interior Ministry?