Footage has appeared on social media showing the coast of the Sea of Azov receding by hundreds of meters.

Such water drawdowns and surges are common for the Azov coast, occurring more than 20 times a year in winter and autumn. It was noted that usually the drawdown of surface water toward the western coast is caused by northeastern winds.

Dangerous periods occur when western winds blow over the Sea of Azov for a long time, which happens quite rarely. For example, in September 2014, strong winds from the west caused flooding of coastal areas in Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Yeysk, and the village of Dolzhanskaya.

The largest flood due to a surge wave occurred in October 1969—then, due to western winds, Temryuk and adjacent territories were flooded. As a result, several kilometers from the sea were inundated, and several villages were washed away.

“Large-scale floods due to surges are extremely rare because several conditions must coincide: very strong wind blowing for a prolonged period in one direction—only then can it move the water mass to the opposite shore. Such a situation can arise when a very deep cyclone moves from western to eastern regions, passing directly over the Sea of Azov. Western winds are dangerous for us. But currently, nothing like that is even close to happening.”

The current situation is more than favorable—the wind is weak, and the drawdown is minor. It has not caused any serious consequences. The water will return to its previous level as soon as the wind subsides.

Also read: scientists explained the jellyfish invasion in the Sea of Azov.

Sea of Azov

The Sea of Azov is a shallow inland sea in Eastern Europe, connected to the Black Sea by the narrow Strait of Kerch. Historically, it was a major fishing ground and an important trade route for ancient Greek colonies, and later for the Byzantine Empire and Kievan Rus. Its strategic location has also made it a contested region throughout history, particularly between the Russian and Ottoman Empires.

Primorsko-Akhtarsk

Primorsko-Akhtarsk is a port town and resort on the coast of the Sea of Azov in southern Russia. It was founded as a military fortress in the 18th century and later developed into a center for fishing and fish processing. Today, it is known for its therapeutic muds and sandy beaches, attracting visitors to its sanatoriums.

Yeysk

Yeysk is a port town and resort on the Sea of Azov in southern Russia, founded in 1848 by Prince Mikhail Vorontsov. It is known for its sandy beaches, therapeutic mud, and as a popular summer destination, with its history tied to its development as a merchant port and later a health spa.

Dolzhanskaya

Dolzhanskaya is a stanitsa (Cossack village) and popular seaside resort on the Dolgaya Spit in Krasnodar Krai, Russia. Historically, it was established by Black Sea Cossacks in the mid-19th century. Today, it is renowned for its unique natural environment, featuring long sandy beaches and shallow, warm waters on the Azov Sea.

Temryuk

Temryuk is a town in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai, situated on the Taman Peninsula near the Sea of Azov. It was founded as a fortress in the 16th century by the Crimean Khanate and later became a significant Cossack settlement. Today, it is known for its port and as a gateway to the nearby ancient site of Tmutarakan.