Heavy Rainfall Causes Dam Break and Floods in Russia’s Chelyabinsk Region

A dam broke on Friday evening at a reservoir in Russia’s Chelyabinsk region after heavy rainfall, causing a powerful flow of water that washed away buildings, fences and cars in a nearby village.

Water levels reached one metre in the village of Kialim overnight but dropped by Saturday morning, local authorities said.

No casualties were reported.

Over 160 people were evacuated from settlements in the area, Russia's Emergency Ministry said.

Russian State TV aired footage of the dam breach, including damaged buildings and farm equipment.

Traffic was restricted on several roads in the region and a state of emergency was introduced in some districts due to flooding, regional authorities said.