When “Jesus summoned the Twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over unclean spirits” in this Sunday’s gospel, they exercised their authority well and were successful in their healing mission. Russian government authorities in the flood-prone Black Sea region failed to carry out their responsibilities last weekend, however, and as a result at least 171 people died in flash floods because they were not warned of the danger.

A total of 29,000 people in Krymsk and the seaside resort town of Gelendzhik lost all of their possessions, while about 300 homes in Krymsk and 100 in Gelendzhik were damaged beyond repair by the floods, according to government figures released Monday. Residents were shocked and outraged to learn that officials had been aware of the flood threat at 10 p.m. Friday evening but did not take measures to rouse sleeping residents.

The Emergencies Ministry admitted Monday that it had failed to warn residents about the flash flood that turned Krymsk streets into swirling muddy rivers and filled one-story homes practically up to the ceiling in the middle of the night. Many of the 171 who died were elderly residents unable to escape in time. The death toll is expected to rise.

Russian President Vladimir Putin flew to the affected areas on Saturday evening to survey the damage by helicopter. He also launched an investigation into why the death toll was so high, but angry citizens do not expect accountability, and observers say confidence in the integrity of government officials is at an all-time low nationwide.

Sources: Articles by Lynn Berry and Sergey Ponomarek for the Associated Press,
Kirit Radia for ABC News, and Ellen Barry for the New York Times