"In some southern and Far Eastern regions the amount of snow exceeds the average amount by 2-2.5 times, therefore, if the spring is 'active' floods are possible there," the minister said.
According to the forecasts of the Emergencies Ministry and the Russian Hydro-meteorological Center, droughty summer is expected in a number of regions, Sergei Shoigu said adding that it makes fire risks very high.
In his words, earthquakes are forecasted in Kamchatka and the Kurile Islands which were not hit by this disaster for several years.
The Emergencies Ministry's aircraft group will be reinforced to respond to possible natural disasters in time, Mr. Shoigu reported. In 2005 the Emergencies Ministry's group comprising four Be-200 multifunctional amphibian planes and a light Ka-226 helicopter will be added to the arsenal.
