MOSCOW, April 5 (Xinhua) -- A dam breach in the Russian city of Orsk in the Orenburg Region has led to a mass evacuation of residents from the flooded area, local media reported Friday.

       The breach occurred in the dam that serves as a protective barrier against the Ural River, endangering several parts of the old city and nearby Orsk villages, RIA Novosti news agency reported, citing local authorities.

       A state of emergency has been introduced in the city, the report said.

       Rescuers and municipal services of Orsk are working to strengthen the dam and eliminate the breach, Russia's Ministry of Emergency said on its Telegram.