Floods raging through Russia's southern fringes have killed more than 50 people, left an unknown number missing and made tens of thousands homeless.
The Emergencies Ministry put the known death toll from some of Russia's most disastrous flooding in the past 10 years at 53.
But officials conceded the final picture could be worse with many people from villages in the northern Caucasus, an area which includes rebel Chechnya, still missing after several days of flooding that followed heavy rain.
"So far, we know of only 53 deaths, but we cannot put a figure on those missing," a ministry spokesman said.
Interfax news agency, quoting information gathered from several sources, said up to 70 people were known to have died as torrents of swirling floodwater carried off homes and factories and wrecked bridges and telephone lines.
Cargo planes and Mi-8 military helicopters, drafted in from the fight against separatist rebels in Chechnya, distributed food, medicine and supplies to those cut off in remote areas.
Thousands of rescue workers deployed in the area plucked weeping residents from threatened areas and set up temporary housing in tent settlements across the region, while others worked to restore rail and road links.
The national electricity company said 105,000 people in 25 cities and towns were without power, but electricians were working to restore links.
Emergencies Ministry helicopters monitoring the area said water levels were dropping, with expected dry weather set to help further.