SUMMITSAn Action Sports // Snow Blog
Storms force officials to declare state of emergency
Update from Russia: Sochi is a wet mess; photo courtesy of Tom Kelly
Sochi, Russia, the site of the 2014 Winter Olympic Games, hit another snag this week after heavy rains forced officials to declare a state of emergency for the coastal city. Mudslides and floods halted construction and threw some 1,800 workers into cleanup action around the region, according to an Associated Press report.
The rain caused local rivers to overflow, flooding sections of highway and roads in the city. Despite the rain, the AP reports that Sochi’s airport and railway system are running as normal and that Russian officials say the situation is under control.
The latest setback comes as the International Olympic Committee visited the area for its final checkup before lighting the Olympic torch and starting the official countdown to the February Games. Public outcry has been high for the Russian Olympics, increasing the importance of a good IOC visit, but, unfortunately for the hosts, Mother Nature has been less than cooperative.
However, if nothing changes in the next few days, the Olympic torch will be lit this weekend in Athens, Greece, setting the ball in motion for the 22nd Winter Olympic Games.
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