In Dagestan`s capital, Makhachkala, heavy rainfall caused severe flooding, with water levels rising so high that it cascaded into homes through windows. The towns of Kaspiysk and Izberbash were also affected, experiencing widespread inundation of residential properties and private plots. In some areas of Makhachkala, floodwaters reached car seats.
Makhachkala was submerged following intense downpours, with Kaspiysk and Izberbash in Dagestan also heavily impacted. Residential areas, private plots, and homes suffered extensive flooding. In parts of Makhachkala, water surged through windows like waterfalls. Vehicles were seen floating on several streets, with water reaching up to their trunks, and in some instances, even submerging car interiors up to the seats.
Sergey Melikov, the head of Dagestan, described the situation as challenging but under control, stating that no state of emergency would be declared. Melikov highlighted the primary goal for utility services: “to prevent an energy collapse.” Consequently, water is being pumped out from areas around transformer stations. Forecasters predict that emergency operations will continue through the weekend. Melikov added that once the immediate crisis is resolved, the republic will resume its long-term efforts “to address problems that have accumulated over decades.”
Timur Aliev, a correspondent for “Rossiyskaya Gazeta” in Dagestan, provided insights into the region`s situation:
Correspondent for “Rossiyskaya Gazeta” in Dagestan
“On Friday, especially after lunch, it was a real collapse. Practically all streets were flooded; storm drains couldn`t cope. The water was almost waist-deep; it was impossible to cross a street, and cars barely moved. There was even a message on social media asking motorists to offer rides to people if they were going the same way. Cars were literally floating, and around 11 PM, even traffic police arrived to simply block off the affected street section to prevent cars from getting submerged and prohibit passage. People had to detour about 10 kilometers; they couldn`t call a taxi or anything. For instance, if a trip usually cost 100, 200, or 300 rubles, yesterday taxis were showing over 1000, and even then, drivers refused orders. The Ministry of Emergency Situations announced that they had dispatched a water pumping vehicle. Their Dagestan Telegram channel showed them even towing stranded cars. But still, in the evening, the power was cut off almost city-wide. Several years ago, money was allocated to build large storm drains; pipes were even delivered, excavations were made, and then everything was just left. Authorities don`t comment on the reason for such delays. Every year, it`s the same speeches from officials: `Yes, yes, this is a problematic area, it needs fixing,` but practically nothing changes. The regional head, the mayor of Makhachkala, several of whom have changed in recent years, also say it`s the fault of previous leaders. The problems are the same – these storm drains need replacing. Apparently, money is allocated every year, authorities report that Dagestan receives billions from housing and communal services, allocates additional funds, and all this will be done, but absolutely nothing has been done. Well, as usual, everything will dry up in the sun. And authorities always forget what happened, how it happened; they report: `Yes, we tried, we did something.` Unfortunately, no concrete long-term solutions have been adopted yet.”
Dzambul Salavov, the Mayor of Makhachkala, stated that preventative clearing of storm drains had been carried out before the heavy rains. This effort helped avert widespread flooding during the day on September 19th. However, by evening, the drainage systems were overwhelmed by the natural disaster.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth