Many residents have refused to leave their homes because of the worst flooding since records began.

The manoeuvres involved around 160,000 troops, 5,000 tanks, 130 combat aircraft and 70 warships.

Revamped airfields on target in key Siberian locations as military is boosted in energy-rich region.

FSB federal security agents part of search team as government cracks down on corruption and abuse of power within senior ranks.

Memorandum of understanding will see construction of major projects including new refinery and upgrade to port.

The new 6.5 kilometre rail link will open in 2017 across the world's 10th longest river.

Searches underway at homes and offices of Igor Pushkarev and his relatives.

Drifts have reached one metre in height with schools closed, cars abandoned and even a military tank pulling out stranded drivers.

Gazprom says operations are 'in full swing' with work due to start soon on iconic pipeline to provide gas on eastern route.

Russia will have 11 time zones instead of the current nine, with Siberia's Kemerovo region moving one hour further from Moscow.