At least 78 people have been killed after torrential rains leading to flash floods swept through parts of the south Russian Krasnodar region.

Reports said the floods came at night without warning, catching local residents by surprise.

According to reports, the floods were very strong, and even traffic lights were ripped out, and evacuations were under way.

The floods came at night and people were unable to save their belongings from the water.

Crude oil shipments from the Black Sea port of Novoros-siis-k have also been affected.

Officials say emergency teams have been sent from Moscow by plane and helicopter.

A statement by the Kras-nodar regional administration said 13,000 people had been affected by the floods.