Death Toll in Russia's Krasnodar Floods Rises to 150

A general view of the flooding in the Krymsk, Krasnodar region, Russia, 07 July 2012. EPA/BGNES

150 persons are now confirmed to have perished as of Sunday noon in the flash floods that hit southern Russian Krasnodar region Saturday.

139 of the dead are form the region of the city of Krymsk, 9 from the resort town of Gelendzhik, and 2 more from the city of Novorossiysk.

Those were the three cities most affected by the floods, caused by torrential rains and overflowing of the Kuban river.

320 persons have sought medical help during the disaster, with 104 hospitalized, reports RIA Novosti.

Russia's Chief Prosecution, the Investigative Committee of Russia, has started a court procedure for possible administrative mismanagement of the disaster, which might have caused the deaths.

The flash floods hit the area early Saturday after the rain dumped as much as 28 cm of water. They are said to be the worst in Krasnodar at least in the last 70 years.