Several prominent officials were detained on a charge of criminal negligence during a deadly flood that ravaged the city of Krymsk in southern Russia.

      Detainees are Krymsk ex-mayor Vasily Krutko; head of the eponymous district, Vladimir Ulanovsky; and the acting chief of the district branch of the emergency service, Viktor Zhdanov, as it was said on the Investigative Committe official website.

      They are accused of a professional negligence that resulted in multiple deaths. The charges demand for a criminal case and carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison. The preliminary measure of restraint is a custodial placement.

      A flashflood that followed days of torrential rains ravaged the Krymsk neighborhood on July 7, killing 153, according to regional administration’s figures.

      Local residents have accused officials of failing to issue a proper warning about the upcoming flood. According to preliminary investigation, Krutko, Ulanovsky and Zhdanov received an information about storm alert on July 6, but didn't take all possible measures to inform Krymsk's citizens.

      Several more officials of Krymsk have already lost their posts due to the flood. Russian opposition also demanded to sack Krasnodar Governor Alexander Tkachyov, but he kept his job so far.