At least six people were killed and 12 others injured when part of a nine-storey apartment building in southern Russia collapsed following a natural gas explosion, officials said today.

Russian health experts warned today that unprecedented heat and suffocating smog from wildfires will lead to more suicides, higher alcohol abuse and other problems, and accused the government of failing to address the long-term health dangers.

Flooding caused by heavy rain in southern Russia has claimed at least 26 lives.