Flooding in Tuapse is not uncommon. This city is located on the Black Sea coast of the Krasnodar Territory, in the foothills of the Caucasus. This area is known for frequent and severe floods. The fact is that the coast of the Krasnodar Territory is in the path of movement of many Mediterranean cyclones, and the presence of the sea saturates the air with water vapor. At the contact of the sea and mountains, as well as on their slopes, the air masses become very unstable and mobile, which leads to the formation of powerful clouds, heavy rainfall and tornadoes. Therefore, between the coast and the peaks of the Main Caucasian Range there is a zone with an increased risk of severe floods.
How many floods were in Tuapse?
River spills and sharp increases in water levels are not uncommon for the Tuapse district. They are observed almost every year. Global warming intensifies autumn showers on the coast, especially in the Tuapse region, which can easily trigger flooding. In the summer, they often occur in the Greater Sochi area. Floods in Tuapse are characterized by increased extremeness due to the specifics of local conditions.
However, moderate river spills are considered as local phenomena. Only the most devastating cases, when there are human casualties and great economic damage, go to the federal media. So far, only 2 such extreme floods have been documented - in July 2014 and in the summer of 1991.
1991 Extreme Flood
This flood is the most tragic in the history of the city. At that time, 27 people became victims of the raging elements. The cause of this disaster was a huge tornado that passed through the surrounding mountains. He intensified the effects of heavy rainfall and caused a series of landslides that destroyed the Tuapse oil depot, roads, the railway connecting Tuapse and Sochi, and the main gas pipeline. The element was also accompanied by hail and a very strong wind. And all this fell on Tuapse at night, when most of the inhabitants were sleeping, not suspecting anything.
Flooding and landslides led to the destruction of hundreds of residential buildings. Thousands of people were left homeless. In total, about 300 buildings and technical structures were destroyed, including even bridges and multi-storey residential buildings.
2014 Tuapse Flood
This flood dates from the eighth of July 2014. Then in the mountains for several hours, more than 100 mm of precipitation fell. The greatest blow to the elements occurred in the Spider River basin. Water flooded houses, streets, shops and cars. The area of private residential development Barsovaya Slit was most affected, as well as Uralskaya, Kalarasha and Novitskaya streets.
The coordinated work of the Ministry of Emergencies made it possible to avoid human casualties. People were taken to elevated areas. However, power lines and water systems in the city of Tuapse were affected.
Flooded, first of all, in lowlands. Also among the victims - 2 city bridges. And an extensive landslide descended on the Dzhubga-Sochi highway . This led to kilometer traffic jams. The effects of the flood were eliminated within a week.
Was there a flood in Tuapse in 2017?
In September 2017, the Internet was flooded with videos about the alleged flood in the city. However, as it turned out, they were shot during the 2014 severe flood. But they have nothing to do with the events of September 2017. This was stated by Tuapse official authorities. However, on the eve of these reports in the area there was heavy rain, but no emergency was declared. The fact is that heavy rains are not uncommon for recent years in Tuapse, especially for the fall. Previously, they also happened, although much less frequently. But thanks to the dense forests, moisture is well absorbed and the water level does not rise so much. In addition, the population has already adapted to such extreme events. Only the most exceptional showers cause flooding.