Mudslides Force Evacuations and Disrupt Water Supply Near Russias Mount Elbrus

Authorities reported on Friday that approximately 3,000 residents have lost access to water and over 350 individuals have been evacuated to safety due to mudslides near Mount Elbrus in the Kabardino-Balkaria region of southern Russia.

A state of emergency has been declared in the Elbrussky municipal district following heavy rainfall that caused mudslides on Thursday.

Kantemir Berov, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Emergency Situations, stated that 372 people were relocated from areas at risk of flooding.

The mudslides have compromised the water supply infrastructure in Tyrnauz, the district’s administrative center, which has a population of around 21,000 and is situated close to the Georgian border. As a result, about 3,000 residents currently lack access to clean water, according to the ministry’s report.

Despite no new mudslides being recorded as of Friday morning, officials have cautioned that the region continues to be susceptible to additional incidents.

Earlier in the week, the Gerkhozhan-Su River, which runs through the area, also experienced mudslides.

Mount Elbrus, a dormant stratovolcano, stands as the tallest peak in both Russia and Europe, reaching an elevation of 5,642 meters (18,510 feet) above sea level.