Thousands Evacuated Across Russia's Flood-Hit Far East

An aerial view of a flooded village in the Amur region in Russia's Far East on August 14

More than 14,000 local residents have been evacuated from 113 towns and villages in Russia's flood-ravaged Far East.

The country's Emergency Situations Ministry said on August 16 that more than 4,600 houses in Amur Oblast, Khabarovsk Krai, and the Jewish Autonomous Region had been damaged by the floods since last week.

The water level in the Amur River near the city of Khabarovsk has passed the 6 meter-mark and is still rising.

Local authorities are concerned about the Zeya and Burei hydropower stations, where the flood levels are reported to be at critical stages.

The Defense Ministry has sent additional troops, equipment, and military medical personnel to the region.

Local officials say the flood levels are expected to crest between August 18 and 23.

Based on reporting by Interfax, ITAR-TASS, and RIA Novosti