Russia’s Tuapse port blaze persists as residents report "oil rain" PHOTO/VIDEO

Residents in the southern Russian port city of Tuapse have reported a phenomenon described as an “oil rain” as a large fire continues to burn at the local seaport for a third consecutive day.

According to the Telegram channel Yozh, citing local residents, dark stains have been left on clothing and outdoor surfaces following rainfall.

The deposits are believed to be linked to a mixture of smoke and oil products, possibly fuel oil, suspended in the air.

Authorities have yet to release official information regarding the cause of the blaze or the extent of the affected area. Emergency services remain engaged in efforts to contain the fire.

This marks the second major fire in the region within a week, occurring against the backdrop of previously reported drone attacks.

Russian media outlets have also reported elevated concentrations of benzene, xylene and soot in the air, exceeding normal levels by two to three times. Environmental concerns are further heightened by the expansion of an oil slick in the Black Sea, reportedly resulting from the earlier incident.

The developments follow an attack on a refinery in Tuapse on 20 April, which Ukrainian sources have claimed responsibility for.