"Devastating Floods and Dam Collapse Force Evacuations and Halt Refinery Operations in Russia's Orenburg Region"

A federal state of emergency has been declared in Russia's Orenburg region after a dam collapse led to severe flooding in and around the city of Orsk, with the number of flooded houses rising to 6,600 and around 4,000 residents evacuated. President Putin dispatched the Minister of Emergency Situations to the area, describing the situation as "critical". The flooding has caused significant damage, with the Old Town of Orsk submerged and accessible only by boat, and reports of casualties and injuries. The collapse of the decade-old dam has led to a criminal case for negligence.