Putin listens to flood situation reports, orders assistance to people in flood-stricken areas

MOSCOW. April 3 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday listened to reports from Altai Territory governor Viktor Tomenko and Orenburg region governor Denis Pasler and had a phone call with Emergency Situations Minister Alexander Kurenkov regarding the flood situation in the regions, presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.

"The president has given all necessary instructions to extend assistance to people in the flood-stricken areas," Peskov said.

More than 240 residential buildings and over 3,200 household plots have been flooded in 32 Russian regions, the Emergency Situations Ministry's press service said.

A total of 194 houses, 917 household plots, six road sections and a low-level bridge remain submerged in the Altai Territory, where the most difficult spring flood situation is currently unfolding, it said.

Emergency Situations Ministry rescuers are continuing to assist local residents, transporting them by boat and delivering food and other essential items. Temporary accommodation centers have been opened.

A total of 2,800 specialists and 1,200 pieces of equipment are dealing with the consequences of spring floods in Russia.