103 Dead in Russian Storms, Crude Oil Shipments Halted

Posted July 7th, 2012 at 2:20 pm (UTC-5)
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Russian officials say the death toll from flooding in the southern Krasnodarsky Krai region has risen to at least 103 after two days of torrential rain pounded the region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to fly to the ravaged areas later Saturday.

Authorities said the storms, floods and a landslide have affected thousands of people in the area. Streets are flooded; some cars are submerged or overturned by floodwaters. Public transportation in the region is stalled.

Reuters news agency reports that Novorossiisk, Russia's largest Black Sea port, halted crude oil shipments on Saturday because of the storm.

A government spokesman says police increased their presence in order to prevent looting.