State of emergency in Irkutsk region as President Vladimir Putin flies in amid carnage from heavy rain - with ‘worse to come’.

Experts to visit remote craters to solve the puzzle on their creation.

Russian photographer writes about a volcanic eruption at Tolbachik, seen by the Soviets as the most lunar place on the planet.

Cold-defying conquests traced to 120,000 years ago when they crossbred with Denisovans, and 60,000 years ago when they collected sparkling crystals.

Geysers, active volcanoes, thermal lakes, mountains, Pleistocene glaciers, cascading rivers... and a lot of bears! 

Remains of the child suggest an 'unknown European invasion of Siberia deep in ancient times'.

Norilsk is home to the world biggest mining and metallurgy complex, and is shut off from the world in more ways than one. 

Unique remains give vital clues to man's origins and early travels, say experts.

The Kremlin's 'Mr Siberia' Viktor Tolokonsky tells 'Sphere of Influence' business magazine what our vast region means to him.