The death toll rose to at least 150 on Sunday from severe flooding in southern Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the region and ordered an investigation into whether a slow response by officials in Krasnodar could have contributed to the deaths.

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.