A devastating flood crisis is unfolding across Russia's North Caucasus republics of Dagestan and Chechnya after the heaviest rainfall in more than a century triggered flash floods, landslides, and a catastrophic dam breach. The Dagestan & Chechnya Floods have killed at least 6 people, displaced thousands, and affected an estimated 1.5 million residents since April 5.
How the Crisis Unfolded
A powerful cyclone over the Caspian Sea brought record-breaking rainfall to the region on April 5 and 6, 2026, causing rivers across Dagestan and Chechnya to rise rapidly and spill into populated areas. The deluge triggered flash floods and landslides that struck with little warning. Among the dead were a woman killed when a landslide collapsed her home in the southern village of Kirki, and several people swept away when vehicles were overturned into swollen rivers.
The crisis escalated dramatically when the Gedzhukh dam reservoir breached, sending a wall of water into downstream communities and forcing the emergency evacuation of more than 4,000 people. In total, over 6,200 residents including 1,300 children were evacuated from flooded areas and relocated to 55 temporary accommodation centers.
Staggering Scale of Damage
The floods have caused extensive damage across both republics. In Dagestan alone, more than 6,000 residential buildings sustained varying degrees of damage, over 840 social facilities were affected, and more than 40 healthcare facilities were flooded. Roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure suffered severe damage, complicating rescue and relief operations.
In neighboring Chechnya, flooding damaged vehicular and pedestrian bridges, though residential areas were less severely impacted. Combined damage estimates for both republics exceeded 1 billion rubles ($13 million), a figure expected to rise as assessments continue.
On April 10, the Russian federal government declared a state of emergency for both Dagestan and Chechnya. Russia's weather service has warned of a potential third wave of flooding as additional heavy rainfall is forecast for the region.
Relief Efforts Underway
Local communities and organizations have mobilized rapidly. The charity Nadezhda raised over 500 million rubles ($6.4 million) from private donors, while local businesses provided free services and donations to affected families.
International humanitarian organizations are also responding:
American Red Cross is coordinating with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Russian Red Cross to deliver emergency shelter materials, clean water, and essential supplies to displaced families across the affected region.
Direct Relief is preparing shipments of essential medicines and medical supplies to support the more than 40 healthcare facilities that were damaged or flooded in Dagestan, ensuring continuity of care for vulnerable populations.
International Medical Corps is assessing the medical needs of displaced populations and coordinating with local health authorities to provide emergency medical care and mental health support at evacuation centers.
How You Can Help
With 1.5 million people affected and the threat of additional flooding still looming, the humanitarian needs in Dagestan and Chechnya remain urgent. Displaced families need shelter, clean water, food, and medical care as they wait for floodwaters to recede.
Visit the Dagestan & Chechnya Floods disaster page to find trusted organizations accepting donations and to learn how you can support relief and recovery efforts. You can also browse the Relief Directory to explore all organizations currently responding to disasters worldwide.