Tomsk, Russia – April 16, 2024: Authorities in Tomsk, a city in southwestern Siberia, have reported a partial dam collapse due to the swelling Tom River. The Mayor of Tomsk, Dmitry Makhinya, confirmed the incident in a video shared on social media, where he observed the damage caused by the inundating waters.
Spring flooding, attributed to melting ice, is a familiar phenomenon in certain regions of Russia. However, this year, the situation has been exacerbated by unusually heavy rainfall and warmer-than-average spring temperatures. The combination of these factors has resulted in severe flooding across the Urals and western Siberia.
State-run media sources have reported significant damage caused by the floods, with approximately 15,600 homes and 28,000 land plots submerged in 193 towns and cities across 33 regions of Russia. The impact has been particularly felt near Tomsk, where nearly 200 houses have been inundated, and 84 individuals have been evacuated from affected areas as of Monday morning.
The partial collapse of the protective dam in Tomsk underscores the severity of the situation, as local authorities scramble to respond to the crisis. Efforts are underway to mitigate further damage and ensure the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.
The unfolding events serve as a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of regions prone to natural disasters, necessitating proactive measures to address the impacts of climate change. As Siberia grapples with the aftermath of the flooding, communities are mobilizing to support those affected and to bolster resilience against future environmental challenges.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to exercise caution and adhere to safety guidelines as the region contends with the ongoing consequences of the flooding.