POSTSCRIPT

In early July, two and half months after the flood, Orsk Mayor Vasily Kozupitsya resigned. Townsfolk organized protests in April and demanded his ouster. They felt that work done to repair damages wrought by the flood on over 6000 households was insufficient. Those in Orsk who lost their homes and possessions in the flood are still waiting for compensation from the authorities. Minister of Emergency Situations Alexander Kurenkov announced that the payments would be increased by 50 percent. That translates to R15,000 ($170) in general compensation, R75,000 ($850) for partial loss of possessions, and R150,000 ($1,700) for a property that is a total loss. The rescued animals were temporarily housed in nearby Novotroitsk, in a private facility hastily organized by local residents.Volunteers are still requesting a permanent location to house the animals, but have not received a decision.