Ali Karimli, Chairman of the Popular Front Party of Azerbaijan (PFPA), offered a critical assessment of the current economic situation in Azerbaijan. Citing official data, he stated that in the first quarter of 2026, economic growth in Georgia was 8.4%, while in Armenia it was 7.4%. In contrast, Azerbaijan's economy showed negative dynamics, contracting by 0.3%.
Massive flooding has led to a significant decline in tourism in Dagestan. Amid reports of an impending third wave of rain, Russians have cancelled a quarter of their previously purchased tours for the May holidays.
Tour operators are reporting a significant drop in sales of travel packages to Dagestan: the Russian Union of Travel Industry (RUTI) has recorded a 40% decline over the past week, while the Alliance of Russian Travel Agencies (ATOR) has seen sales fall by up to 70%.
Overall interest in the region has fallen by 27% compared to a previously predicted 7% increase. As a result, due to the devastating downpours and hurricanes, almost a third of tourists will not be able to reach Dagestan.
Due to the massive flooding in Dagestan, a state of emergency has been declared at the regional level. This status is expected to be upgraded to a nationwide one soon. According to preliminary data, over 6,000 homes were damaged, including apartment buildings in Makhachkala, Buynaksk, and Derbent.