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Material aid to be provided to 5,500 residents of flood-hit Khabarovsk

Another five areas with over 2,500 residents may be flooded
Photo ITAR-TASS/Denis Vyshynsky
Photo ITAR-TASS/Denis Vyshynsky

VLADIVOSTOK, August 21 (Itar-Tass) - Material aid will be provided to 5,500 citizens of Khabarovsk, Russia’s Far East that was hit by the flood, Mayor Alexander Sokolov said.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Sokolov said the amount of people harmed by the flood could increase.

“We determine five areas, which can be flooded. These are the areas where multi-family houses with over 2,500 people are located,” the mayor said, adding that in order to prevent the flood pumping units worked day and night.

“Today the water level in the Amur River near Khabarovsk reached 695 centimetres. The water can rise within the 48 hours. A total of 297 houses have been flooded. At least 250 people have been evacuated from the settlement of Ussuriysky. Temporary centers are being prepared to accommodate 10,000 people,” Sokolov said.

He noted that a total of 9.7 kilometers of dike dams were erected. Special attention is paid to protecting utility facilities, water supply points and energy units.

In addition, the mayor said, “We’ve begun collecting funding. The Association of Cities of Military Glory has offered its aid. Assistance (from 5,000 rubles to 10,000 rubles) is expected to be provided to pensioners, families with physically challenged members and families with many children.”

The situation is complicated in the village of Krasnaya Rechka. Due to its geographical location the water level in the Ussuri River increases much stronger than near Khabarovsk. Hydrologists said the water had reached 715 centimeters while the flood peak reached 1,178 centimeters. “The evacuation of people was announced two days ago. But only 11 people out of 271 people have left the area. The dams continue to be erected although the barriers can stand the water head,” Sokolov said.

“The situation on the main road is also difficult. Our key task is to make traffic safe,” acting Governor Vyasheslav Shport said.