JDC Helps Russian Jews Affected by Floods

In response to Saturday's flash floods in Russia's Krasnodar region -- which left more than 150 people dead -- JDC activated its emergency network and staff in the region immediately began reaching out to the local Jewish population and assessing damage. Though there were no reported Jewish victims among the dead, a handful of elderly, including Holocaust survivors, reported extensive, and in some cases irreparable damage, to their homes.

Rescue teams from Russia's Ministry of Emergency Situations evacuated many people from their homes. In the meantime, JDC's Hesed staff have been in continuous touch with clients in the hardest hit towns of Krimsk, Gelendzhik and Novorossiysk to ensure they are safe and JDC will be aiding in repair and rebuilding costs for homes as damage assessment is completed. There are more than 500 Jews in the affected areas.

Here is some of the latest coverage: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-18765305