In Makhachkala, the capital of Dagestan, severe flooding following torrential downpours led to water levels rising so high that it cascaded into homes through windows. The cities of Kaspiysk and Izberbash were also affected, with many private yards and houses submerged. In Makhachkala itself, water on the streets reached car seats.
Dagestan`s capital, Makhachkala, was submerged following powerful torrential rains. The flooding also impacted other Dagestani cities, Kaspiysk and Izberbash. Beyond household plots and private gardens, residential buildings were also damaged. In some areas of Makhachkala, the deluge was so intense that water poured into homes through windows, resembling waterfalls. Cars were practically floating on the streets, and in several instances, water inundated vehicle interiors up to the seat level, as shown in published footage.
Sergey Melikov, the head of Dagestan, described the situation as difficult but manageable, emphasizing that an emergency regime has not yet been introduced in the republic. According to him, the main task for utility services is to prevent an `energy collapse,` which is why water is being pumped out of areas adjacent to transformer substations. Forecasters predict that emergency operations will continue until the end of the weekend. Melikov also noted that once the situation stabilizes, scheduled work will resume to address `problems accumulated over decades` in the region.
Expert Opinion: Timur Aliyev on the Situation in Dagestan
Timur Aliyev, a special correspondent for `Rossiyskaya Gazeta` in Dagestan, commented on the critical situation in the region:
Timur Aliyev
Special Correspondent for `Rossiyskaya Gazeta` in Dagestan
«On Friday, particularly after lunch, it was a real collapse. Almost all streets were flooded, and storm drains couldn`t cope. The water was almost waist-deep, making it impossible to cross streets, and cars barely moved. There were even social media appeals for drivers to offer rides to people going their way. Cars were literally floating, and around 11 PM, traffic police arrived to block off a street section to prevent cars from getting submerged, prohibiting passage. People had to make detours of about 10 kilometers, unable to call a taxi or anything. For instance, if a trip usually cost 100-300 rubles, yesterday taxis showed over 1000, and even then, drivers refused orders. The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported sending a water pumping machine, and their Dagestani Telegram channel showed them even towing stranded vehicles. However, electricity was still out across almost the entire city that evening. Several years ago, funds were allocated to build large storm drainage systems; pipes were even delivered and excavations made, but then everything was left unfinished. Authorities do not comment on the reason for this delay. Every year, officials make the same statements: `Yes, yes, this is a problem area, it needs fixing,` but practically nothing changes. The regional head and Makhachkala mayors, several of whom have changed in recent years, also blame previous administrations. The problems remain the same – these storm drains need replacing. Apparently, money is allocated every year, and authorities report that Dagestan receives billions from housing and communal services and allocates additional funds, claiming it will all be done, but absolutely nothing has been accomplished. As usual, everything will dry up in the sun, and authorities will forget what happened, reporting: `Yes, we tried, we did something.` Unfortunately, no concrete long-term solutions have been adopted so far.»
Dzhamulat Salavov, the head of Makhachkala, stated that preventative cleaning of storm drains had been carried out in the city before the heavy rains. These measures helped avoid large-scale flooding during the daytime on September 19. However, by evening, the city`s drainage systems were overwhelmed by the intensity of the downpour.
