Defences were breached in Komsomolsk-on-Amur engulfing several villages, as forced evacuation rise.
Deputy finance minister Mikhail Kotyukov, 36, given key job amid 'crisis' over science reforms.
New evidence of climate change as blazes come six weeks early in 2014.
Another heavy hint has come from the Russian government that major tax incentives will get the go-ahead despite reservations by some power-brokers.
Panning to be legalised in former GULAG region in bid to crackdown on black market.
Moscow has confirmed moves to modernise its military presence on islands over which Japan claims sovereignty.
Altai floodwater could be sent to parched Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China, says Russian agriculture minister.
33 hour journey between the capitals could be in place by 2020.
Prime minister raises the issue on sidelines of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) in Ulaanbaatar.
Possible route could see 400km/hour bullet train pass through heart of Siberia and Altai region with stops in major cities.