Moscow, on the Moskva River in western Russia, is the nation’s cosmopolitan capital. In its historic core is the Kremlin, a complex that’s home to the president and tsarist treasures in the Armoury. Outside its walls is Red Square, Russia’s symbolic center. It’s home to Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum’s comprehensive collection and St. Basil’s Cathedral, known for its colorful, onion-shaped domes.
Over 11 people died when a severe thunderstorm hit the Russian capital, health officials say. Hundreds of trees were toppled by the storm, and more than 50 people sought medical help. Reports say that electrical cables were damaged as Moscow was lashed with high winds, hail and torrential rain.
The winds of up to 110 km/h (70 mph) were described by meteorologists as extremely rare for the city, and caused structural damage to buildings. If the death toll of 11 is confirmed – and some officials give a lower figure – it would be the deadliest storm in the city for more than 100 years.
The city’s investigative committee said that “hurricane winds” had caused trees to fall in various parts of the city, killing five pedestrians.
An elderly man was also killed at a bus stop, it said. TASS news agency says that 69 people have been injured. Two people were killed after a tree fell onto their summer house, Interfax reported.
Delays had been reported on some metro lines but normal service appears to have resumed. Moscow’s Mayor, Sergei Sobyanin tweeted: “My condolences to the friends and family of those killed.”
Photos circulating on social media show fallen trees blocking roads and a large roadside advertising board crushing parked cars. A video also shows strong winds tearing apart the roof of a covered tennis centre in Zhulebino district.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is in Versailles, near Paris, where he has been holding talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
Compiled Daniel Ekiye
