ReliefWeb

A. Situation analysis

Description of the disaster

Between 12-15 April 2015, due to the extremely dry weather, high air temperatures and heavy wind in the territory of Republic of Khakassia located in the South Siberian part of Russia, a massive forest fire covered a large territory of 38 settlements. According to the Ministry of Russian Federation for Civil Defense, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM), about 1,000 private houses, one school and two hospitals were fully destroyed, thus affecting some 5,000 people.30 people are reported died due to the massive and heavy fire. The total damage estimated equals to 7 billion rubles, equaling to CHF 140 million.

The Russian EMERCOM and the local authorities evacuated more than 4,000 people who currently stay in 23 temporary shelters, and with relatives and host families. The local authorities and the EMERCOM mobilized more than 3,000 professionals, rescuers and anti-fire forces, which allowed to stop the spreading of fire on settlements. The rescues teams also managed to stabilize the situation. The federal government considers providing compensation of damage to the affected population and to build new houses to replace the destroyed ones by September 2015. Until this time, most of affected people will stay in temporary shelters.