Conditions are deteriorating in regions of southern Russia being hit by spring flooding, authorities in the area reported on Monday.

The authorities say up to 15,600 homes and 28,000 inhabited properties were under water, with the situation in the Kurgan region on the border with Kazakhstan particularly dangerous.

The reports said the Tobol River in western Siberia had risen by 1.5 metres to around 6.5 metres within 24 hours.

The Orenburg region to the west has also seen record levels along the Ural River, which takes spring runoff from the Ural Mountains.

Exceptional flooding this spring has washed away the region’s roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

The authorities in the cities of Orenburg and Orsk have estimated the damage at more than ₽40 billion ($430 million), but the final figure could be higher.

Dozens of bridges have been closed to traffic, and the health authorities have launched a vaccination campaign against Hepatitis A amid concerns about water quality.

There have been complaints that the authorities reacted too late and that assistance has been inadequate and delayed.

According to the authorities, 193 localities and 33 regions have been affected, including Samara and Omsk.

Preparations were also being made in the Novosibirsk region to the east, where flooding along major rivers is expected.

Kurgan Governor Vadim Shumkov has urged residents to pack documents, valuables and clothes and evacuate to safe areas.

“The situation is extremely difficult and is deteriorating,” he posted on the Telegram messaging service.

He said police, accompanied by members of sports clubs, were organising patrols to prevent looting.

(dpa/NAN)