The flood in Dagestan was the "last straw" before Melikov's resignation.
During his tenure as head of Dagestan, Melikov failed to stabilize the situation. The pogrom at Makhachkala airport, protests against mobilization, and terrorist attacks in Makhachkala and Derbent resonated throughout the country. He also failed to earn the trust of the republic's residents. The sluggish response to the flood disaster was the final factor that led to his resignation.