Russian President Vladimir Putin inspected a flood-ravaged area in southern Russia Saturday and ordered an investigation into whether a slow response by local officials in Krasnodar could have contributed to the deaths of more than 144 people.

State television showed Mr. Putin speaking with emergency ministry officials, who assured him the flood was not caused by problems at a nearby dam, as alleged by locals.

Residents in the hard-hit town of Krymsk were not warned before a flash flood hit in the middle of the night, flooding houses, flipping cars and tearing up pavement, as well as drowning many residents. Many survivors say they have been given no aid or assistance.