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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon,

Today, as agreed, we will discuss in detail the issues related to the disaster relief operations in the Republic of Daghestan. We are talking about the heavy spring flooding and torrential rains that caused widespread flash flooding in the Republic.

I would note that in just one day – March 30 – Daghestan had the equivalent of three months’ worth of precipitation. Since meteorological observations began – in 1882 – such figures have never been recorded in the region, never. Due to the abnormal weather, on April 5, an earth dam of the Gedzhukh Reservoir burst in the Derbent District. As a result, residents of several communities were evacuated. Unfortunately, there are casualties, and there are fatalities.

In several municipalities, electric power supply has been disrupted, and road infrastructure, including bridges, has suffered significant damage. Due to the risk of landslides and mudslides, traffic has been halted or is impeded on several road and rail sections.

We must keep this situation under constant control. On April 6, reports on the situation were heard from Emergencies Minister Alexander Kurenkov and from Head of Daghestan Sergei Melikov, and an instruction was issued to promptly provide assistance to the affected people. According to the reports, sufficient forces and resources have been mobilised overall to deal with the aftermath of the flooding – at least, that is what I heard from the report. Emergencies Ministry staff, together with colleagues from other federal agencies and law enforcement bodies, are acting in a coordinated manner. Volunteers are actively assisting them. For this, friends, I would particularly like to thank you.

Today, in addition to the Head of the Republic of Daghestan, and at my request, the heads of the most affected municipalities are taking part in our meeting: specifically, the city of Makhachkala, and the Derbent and Khasavyurt districts. I would like to hear your views on how the disaster relief effort is proceeding, what further assistance is needed from the Emergencies Ministry and other federal agencies, and which construction, road-building, and other specialised organisations need to be brought in.

Let me stress: federal, regional and local authorities must provide all necessary support to the victims. People need to receive help and support; they need to be kept constantly informed of the current situation; their complaints and appeals must be taken into account and responded to promptly; and those in need must receive timely medical and legal assistance. Naturally, we must keep the epidemiological and sanitary situation in the disaster zones under control, as well as carry out damage assessment. This is a challenging task; it must be carried out carefully, working on an individual basis with each affected family. In short, we must act professionally and consistently.

Let us begin our work. Please report on the current situation and on the measures taken to deal with the aftermath of the disaster at this very moment.

I give the floor to Head of the Emergencies Ministry Alexander Kurenkov. Please, go ahead.

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Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, here is what I would like to say in conclusion.

We should establish a special government commission on flood relief efforts in the Republic of Daghestan. We talked about these aspects in detail just now. The commission should include representatives of the federal authorities, the region’s senior officials, and a deputy of the Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District.

I have asked Magomed Ramazanov to attend our meeting today. Mr Ramazanov, you are working in the Far East now, but I would like you to go to Daghestan to work as a deputy Plenipotentiary Envoy in your home region. I believe that your knowledge and understanding of the situation, and your ability to communicate directly with the people will be essential.

The commission will be chaired by the Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief.

I have noted that the republican authorities have set up 51 working groups for damage assessment. These people will directly communicate with the affected families to assess the damage.

I would like to ask you to give individual attention to each family and each situation. I understand that the registration of some facts will be incomplete and others will be improperly documented, as is almost always the case in such situations. Of course, these problems must be dealt with, but this should be done calmly and, needless to say, in accordance with the law. But our key priority must be to help people without delay. I ask you to give priority attention to this.

I hope that the Commission, which will be set up without delay – I would like the Government to issue the relevant document today, will start working immediately and effectively, addressing the region’s problems and helping the people.

I would like to receive regular progress reports. Is this point clear, Mr Kurenkov?

Minister for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Natural Disaster Relief Alexander Kurenkov: Yes, Mr President, understood.

Vladimir Putin: Good.

Thank you. That will be all for today.