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The President took a helicopter trip over the flooded areas and later talked with local residents in Lensk.

Addressing the municipal authorities, Vladimir Putin described the situation in the Lensk district of Yakutia as difficult and spoke about the need to find federal budget funds for rebuilding the town. He said that 42,700 people had suffered from the flood, so 10,000 new apartments should be built for them. The President instructed the government to work out a plan within the shortest period of time whereby construction should be started immediately after the issue of housing certificates for flood victims. He stressed the need for targeted assistance to local residents. The President also instructed the government to provide summer vacation opportunities for children from Lensk.

Following the conference, the decision was taken to rebuild the town of Lensk on its former site. Vladimir Putin said he was ready to sign directives for the sale of gold and unique diamonds held by the ALROSA state-owned company to provide relief for the flood victims. Vyacheslav Shtyrov, ALROSA’s president, had suggested this option.