Tyumen residents protest toxic flood as officials downplay water disaster

Tyumen inhabitants have taken to social media and street protests, describing their city as submerged in a putrid flood after the Tura River overflowed, leaving water that smells of waste and contains dead fish and even a roe deer. Authorities initially dismissed the contamination, insisting the water was safe for consumption despite reports of rashes, burning skin and prolonged sickness among residents. After weeks of public outcry, a criminal probe was launched and a clean-water cistern was brought in, prompting long queues for bottled water.

Alexander Bastrykin, head of the Investigative Committee, has demanded a progress report on the investigation. Officials attribute the odor and discoloration to oxygen depletion caused by record rainfall and soil runoff, but locals suspect additional pollutants such as poultry-farm waste and accuse the government of prioritising the war effort over public health.