The fourth suspect, Irina Ryabchenko, head of the Nizhnebakinskaya settlement, which was also affected by the disaster, narrowly escaped arrest. Unlike the others she seems to be the only one who enjoys sympathy from locals. «She was affected by the flooding herself, local residents say.

Yelena Topolyova, member of the Public Chamber who visited the disaster site, said: «The main person responsible for the consequences of the disaster according to local residents is Krasnodar regional governor Alexander Tkachyov». His ousting, however, looks unlikely. A United Russia party member, Tkachyov was re-appointed to his post by the State Duma in March for the next five years.