Krasnodar Krai has been hit by severe weather, including heavy downpours, waterspouts, mudslides, and structural damage to bridges. A storm warning is active across most of the Black Sea coast, stretching from Anapa to Magri, and several children`s camps have been evacuated.
The intense rainfall has led to widespread flooding in numerous settlements and caused significant destruction. In the Tuapse district, particularly in Novomikhailovsky, Lermontovo, and Defanovka, rivers overflowed, inundating residential areas. Notably, an old car bridge in Lermontovo was completely washed away, also damaging the water supply system.
The situation escalated with sightings of waterspouts, one of which reportedly struck Agoy village, lifting bungalows and catamarans into the air, fortunately without human casualties. Mudslides temporarily closed the M-4 “Don” highway at the Moldavanovsky Pass, resulting in multi-kilometer traffic jams.
Rescue teams are operating at an intensified pace. They evacuated 25 passengers from a bus that was trapped in floodwaters in the Defanovka river and also assisted children`s tourist groups. Temporary shelters have been set up in schools for those affected. The regional governor, Veniamin Kondratyev, confirmed that the situation remains tense, with a heightened alert status active until August 4. Residents are advised to avoid flooded areas, as the severe weather approaches Krasnodar city, impacting nearby locations like Goryachy Klyuch and Fanagoria.
A resident of Lermontovo and owner of a guesthouse, Marina, described the collapse of the bridge in Defanovka, noting it had not been repaired since the 1950s and was in an emergency state. Despite its importance for local residents, there were no reported casualties from its collapse. Another resident from Agoy, Elena, reported that while the rain had stopped, the river was still turbulent and the sea dirty, yet people were still venturing out to swim. Stores were reopening as floodwaters receded quickly.
According to Olesya, a guesthouse owner in Agoy, significant damage was confined to the coastal areas, while elevated regions experienced only heavy rain. She confirmed that local sirens frequently alert residents during intense downpours.
Avtodor, the state company managing federal highways, announced that traffic on the 1414th kilometer of the M-4 “Don” highway has been fully restored in both directions after the mudslide was cleared.
Other News from the Region and Beyond
Plastic Pollution: A Growing Global Health Threat
A recent study published in the scientific journal Lancet highlights plastic pollution as a serious and underestimated threat to human health at all life stages. Scientists from various countries emphasize that over 8,000 megatons of plastic have already accumulated on the planet, with approximately 500 megatons of new plastic produced annually, yet only a small fraction is recycled. Most plastic ends up in landfills or the ocean.
Microplastics pose a particular danger, as their particles infiltrate living organisms, including humans, leading to a wide range of diseases. This `plastic crisis` reportedly costs humanity over $1.5 trillion annually in medical and related expenses.
The study`s publication coincides with negotiations for a Global Plastic Treaty in Geneva, where some countries are reportedly resisting mandatory measures in favor of voluntary ones, aiming to support demand for oil products. Scientists urge intensified research and the development of scientifically-backed approaches—legislative, political, and technological—to combat plastic pollution, proposing the Lancet Countdown as a basis for independent global monitoring of the crisis.
Russian Markets React to Geopolitics and Oil Prices
Amidst geopolitical events and oil price dynamics, the Moscow Exchange index rose to 2774 points on August 4, while the RTS index gained 2.5%. Significant growth was observed in major companies like Novatek, Gazprom, Lukoil, Rosneft, and Polyus, despite declining oil prices and expectations of new US sanctions. The ruble remained relatively stable, with the Chinese yuan showing a slight increase.
Experts attribute the ruble`s dynamics to the Central Bank`s high key interest rate, which acts as a deterrent against weakening. The rise of gas-producing companies is linked to geopolitical factors and the lack of escalation following recent rhetoric from the US president. August is typically a less liquid month for the stock market, making it more susceptible to geopolitical influences.
Global oil prices, including Brent, are fluctuating around $69 per barrel, pressured by OPEC+`s decision to increase production in September and US threats to raise tariffs on India over Russian oil resale. Analysts forecast a moderately negative scenario for oil prices, with relatively low levels persisting, as OPEC+ countries prioritize market share despite oil and gas revenues being crucial for their budgets.
The Russian stock market will also be influenced by the corporate reporting season. Norilsk Nickel has already reported a 15% increase in consolidated revenue and a 1.6% rise in net profit for the first half of the year. Investors are also anticipating reports from Rostelecom, Ozon, and other companies this week.
Massive Traffic Jams on Approaches to Crimean Bridge
A massive traffic jam, stretching up to 35 kilometers—an increase of 5 kilometers from the previous day—has formed on the approaches to the Crimean Bridge from the Taman side. Waiting times for vehicle inspection reportedly exceeded six hours at its peak on August 4. By evening, the queue had slightly reduced, but significant delays persisted.
Drivers and passengers complain about harsh conditions in the hot weather, including a severe lack of restrooms and water along the extensive queue. A local journalist noted that checkpoint operations on the Taman side are slower than on the Kerch side, and there is a shortage of trained inspection specialists. Tourists` unpreparedness for inspection, often having unorganized luggage, further exacerbates the situation.
A local taxi driver confirmed the record-breaking jam, highlighting the discomfort for families with children due to the absence of basic amenities. While volunteers provided some water, it wasn`t sufficient for the entire queue. The police are managing traffic, but unauthorized bypass attempts by drivers trying to cut the line have been problematic. Although alternative routes through newly annexed territories offer some relief, they also experience congestion, especially with heavy trucks.
A resident from Kerch, who was stuck in the jam with her children, described the dire situation, emphasizing the heat and the dangers of seeking relief in nearby fields due to wildlife. She noted that the new, larger inspection facility seems less efficient than the previous one and that mobile signal is frequently jammed in the area for security reasons.
The traffic police have blocked unauthorized bypasses via Taman village, directing all traffic exclusively onto the A-290 federal highway. High traffic volumes and queues are forecast to continue until August 5, with tourists strongly advised to stock up on water and fuel before their journey.
Alcohol Retail Chain `Krasnoye & Beloye` Faces Restrictions in Vologda Region
A conflict has arisen in the Vologda region concerning the `Krasnoye & Beloye` alcohol retail chain. Governor Georgy Filimonov announced the chain`s departure from the region, attributing it to a new law restricting alcohol sales and labeling the stores as `merchants of death.` However, the `Krasnoye & Beloye` press service denied a full departure, though confirming that its alcohol license was indeed prematurely revoked by `Alfa-M` (the network`s parent company) as of August 1.
The Governor insists that without an alcohol license, the chain can only sell food products, and even suggested changing their signage. Landlords confirm that many of the chain`s stores located in residential buildings are being forced to close due to new March restrictions, which, for instance, limit alcohol sales hours and prohibit placement of alcohol retailers in residential properties without a separate entrance.
Some outlets are reportedly transitioning to selling only beer and food, but their long-term viability under these conditions remains uncertain. One landlord mentioned that their former `Krasnoye & Beloye` premises in a residential building has now been leased to a pet store. Legally, Russian regions have the right to impose such restrictions on alcohol sales.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth