Residents in areas affected by flooding from a breached dam on the Ural River are expressing frustration with statements made by the head of the Ministry for Emergency Situations.
The official stated that the evacuation had been announced a week prior, but people didn't take it seriously, thinking it was a joke.
This contradicts the reassurances given by Orsk's mayor, Vasily Kozupitsa, just three days before the disaster, when he stated that there was no danger.
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The dam in Orsk, located in Russia's Orenburg region, collapsed last Friday, leading to the evacuation of residents. Faced with a severe natural disaster, authorities urged residents to evacuate immediately.
More than 6,000 homes are now submerged, and the flood peak is expected around April 10. In response, authorities have enacted the "typhoon" plan and declared a federal emergency.
As of April 7, the flooding remains critical, with water levels expected to rise in the coming days, according to Mayor Vasily Kozupitsa.
President Vladimir Putin's directive for the Minister for Emergency Situations to be present at the site prompted Alexander Kurenkov's quick departure to the area.
Shortly after Putin's statement, a plane carrying the minister departed from Moscow.
Upon arrival, Minister Alexander Kurenkov engaged with the media, including reporters from Kremlin-aligned channels.
During a Rossija24 broadcast covering rescue efforts in Orsk, Kurenkov reiterated that the evacuation had been announced a week prior and criticized residents for not taking it seriously.
He also warned that water levels were expected to rise for another week.
On social media, Orsk residents heavily criticized the official's remarks. Notably, on April 3, Mayor Vasily Kozupitsa had declared on his website that there was no danger, even suggesting that this year's flood would be the first serious test of the dam's endurance.
Tragically, the dam failed just three days later.
Additionally, the Russian government is accused of concealing the actual number of casualties. Initially, local authorities reported four deaths in the flood.