More than 80 people have been evacuated from the flood zone in Makhachkala.
In Makhachkala, more than 20 private homes were flooded as a result of rain; rescuers evacuated 80 adults and three children. The rise in water levels on one of the streets was due to clogged drainage ditches, the Ministry of Emergency Situations stated, following a report from the head of Dagestan on the advance clearing of storm drains.
As reported by the "Caucasian Knot" today, as a result of rains and strong winds, power outages occurred in Dagestan, leaving more than 327,000 residents in 283 settlements without power.
Houses on Zarechnaya Street were flooded due to clogged drainage ditches
In Makhachkala, as a result of heavy rains, private homes and adjacent areas were flooded, the Ministry of Emergency Situations for Dagestan reported on its Telegram channel.
The water level in some places reached 1.5 meters
"On Zarechnaya Street, rainwater accumulated and rose due to clogged drainage. About 20 private homes were flooded, with the water level reaching 1.5 meters in places. Emergency Ministry personnel cleared the blockage, and the water level is currently receding. Eighty-three people, including three children, were evacuated, and four people were rescued," the agency reported.
On Perova Street, "about six" cars and five homes were flooded. "Rescuers are currently evacuating the population," the department reported at 12:13 Moscow time.
The mayor's office promised compensation to the victims
Monetary compensation and social support will be paid.
At the direction of the mayor, specialists are relocating 60 people whose homes were damaged during the precipitation, the Makhachkala mayor's office reported on its Telegram channel.
"After assessing the damage to property, monetary compensation and social support will be paid," the authorities promised.
A state of emergency has been declared in Makhachkala, the mayor's office noted in a statement. "Services have been switched to an enhanced mode of operation, cleanup efforts are underway, and assistance will be organized for affected residents," the statement reads.
The state of emergency is provided for by Federal Law No. 68-FZ of December 21, 1994, "On the Protection of Populations and Territories from Natural and Man-Made Emergencies." Depending on the level of emergency, the head of a city, district, governor, the Russian government, or the president may declare the state of emergency. The authorities' ability to allocate budget funds for emergency situations depends on the state of emergency, lawyer Maria Spasibukhova explained to the "Caucasian Knot" in December 2024.
Melikov boasted of his preparations for worsening weather and the clearing of storm drains.
In turn, the head of Dagestan, Sergey Melikov, called the precipitation "an act of God" today and declared the worsening weather "a real challenge."
Storm drains were cleared to minimize risks.
"Dagestan is facing a real challenge – heavy rain and gusty winds have created a critical situation in many districts and cities. The capital is being hit hardest by the elements. Flooding, widespread power and water outages, and disruption to public transportation are being reported. [...] We were preparing for worsening weather. Utilities cleared storm drains for three days to minimize the risk of flooding," he wrote.
As a reminder, in September 2025, heavy rains led to substation flooding and power outages in Makhachkala. Food spoiled in de-energized refrigerators, and cooking became difficult in apartments with electric stoves. Makhachkala residents have the right to demand compensation for damage caused by street flooding and extended power outages, lawyers said.
Dagestan authorities promised financial assistance to Makhachkala residents whose property was damaged by flooding, but did not disclose the amount of assistance. Makhachkala residents paid 28,000-30,000 rubles for the towing and repair of flooded cars, while authorities paid only 10,000 rubles for property damage. Lawyers noted that car owners have the right to go to court to demand compensation from the mayor's office, which failed to ensure safe traffic on the roads.
Unresolved problems in the housing and utilities sector are a factor in the growth of protest activity in Dagestan, Sergei Bachurin, head of the North Caucasus Federal District Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, stated on January 19. Makhachkala residents agreed with his opinion. "Problems with water, electricity, heating, and tariffs are not just household inconveniences, but a trigger for increased social tension, which leads to increased protest activity," noted Rasul Asad, author of the Telegram channel "Ask Rasul."
During his direct line on November 27, 2025, Sergei Melikov ignored pressing issues and gave only vague answers to the questions raised. Residents of the republic were waiting for Melikov to explain the constant power and water outages, burning landfills, and rising prices for housing and communal services and transportation.