Seven missing after dam breach on White Sea-Baltic Canal in Karelia

At least seven people are missing following a dam breach on the White Sea-Baltic Canal in Russia’s Karelia region. Preliminary reports indicated that the breach resulted in the destruction of 13 houses and injuries to nine individuals.

 

According to the Kremlin-controlled news agency Tass, the breach occurred when water washed away a fastener installed during the canal’s reconstruction near the town of Nadvoitsa. This town, as of 2023, has a population of approximately 6,000.

Local residents have reported on social media that the area is without electricity and telephone service. A state of emergency has been declared, and more than 100 rescuers are involved in the search and rescue operation, according to local authorities.

 

The White Sea-Baltic Canal, built in the 1930s, connects the White Sea with Lake Onega and has an outlet to the Baltic Sea.