Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics area is hit by heavy rain and flooding

Preparations for the upcoming 2014 Sochi Olympics, already beset by delays and cost overruns, have now been hampered by heavy rains and flooding in the Black Sea resort.

Authorities declared a state of emergency in the area as crews scrambled to pump water and clear streets.

Two major routes leading to Olympics venues were among the roadways blocked by standing water and mudslides.

An Olympics official told state television that the Games -- which begin in early February -- will not be delayed by the severe weather. As of Wednesday, officials said the city’s rivers were receding and traffic was returning to normal.

“Now the situation has started to stabilize,” an emergency services spokeswoman told Reuters.

The airport and railway station in Sochi were reported to be operating normally.

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