On Monday a deadly tornado struck Oklahoma in the USA, on Tuesday President Putin called USA President Obama to express his condolences, and on Wednesday a small tornado-like storm struck a suburb outside the Russian city of Tula.
Storm clouds form over Tula, Russia.
In his message to the Americans, President Putin expressed his sympathy and support to the families and friends of the victims, conveyed wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured, and stressed Russia’s readiness to provide any assistance that may be required during the relief efforts.
It is a small world and we are connected by means often other than geography. Not yet 24 hours after that message, wind shears from a micro burst ravaged 29 blocks of high rise apartments, 4 schools, 2 kindergardens, and 167 single family homes in the town of Yefremov, a suburb of the city of Tula.
Technically different from a tornado, micro bursts can cause large amounts of damage but generally are not as deadly as a tornado. Micro bursts can be wet in rain storm prone conditions or in dry desert areas.
Tula, Russia micro burst damage.
Voice of Russia radio is reporting that the Ministry of Emergency Situations has declared a state of emergency in the western Russian region of Tula. Thankfully no deaths have been reported so far and local hospitals have treated around two dozen injured persons.
