Russian Flash Floods Kill 134

Flash floods have left 134 people dead after torrential rain tore through southern Russia’s Krasnodar region. The area’s residents received no warning that the storms would create such severe flooding. Houses were completely submerged in water, as people scrambled to their rooftops to survive. Many of those who died were elderly and had been asleep, as the floods struck at night. Dozens of people are currently missing and the death toll could rise. “Our house was flooded to the ceiling,” said a resident of one of the worst-hit towns. “We broke the window to climb out. I put my 5-year-old grandson on the roof of our submerged car, and then we somehow climbed up into the attic.” Emergency teams have been sent to the region from Moscow, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly met with local officials.