Vladimir Putin has called for a clampdown on "lawlessness" in Russia after a burst dam sparked looting.
Thousands of Russians have been forced to flee the city of Orsk after a dam burst under the strain of flooding along the Ural river on Friday night.
The Russian leader ordered Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev and police "to ensure the protection of order and property of people in flood zones".
Around 4,500 people have so far been displaced as authorities struggle to bring the flood under control.
Vladimir Putin has called for a clampdown on 'lawlessness' in Russia after a burst dam sparked looting
Reuters
Kolokoltsev and local police are believed to have been told to prevent looting as residents are moved to temporary accommodation.
On Saturday, water levels reached around 30ft in the Ural mountain region of Orenburg.
More than 6,600 residential buildings flooded and residents have seen their power cut.
Mayor Sergei Salmin warned that authorities could forcibly evacuate people from their homes if the situation becomes worse.
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He said: "The situation leaves you no choice. At night, the river can reach a critical level.
"I call on everyone in the flooded zone to leave their houses immediately.
"There is no time for convincing. Those who refuse to leave the danger zone voluntarily, we will forcibly evacuate with the help of police officers."
Authorities in Orenburg said they expected the "peak" of the flood to hit on April 9 and the "situation to stabilise after April 20".
On Saturday, water levels reached around 30ft in the Ural mountain region of Orenburg
Reuters
On Sunday, a statement from the local government said: "The flood situation in Orsk is developing according to the worst-case scenario, there are 6,644 residential houses in the flooded area.
"11 temporary shelters with a capacity of 8,087 places have been set up."
Russia's Investigative Committee has opened a criminal case for "negligence and violation of construction safety rules" over the burst dam.