July 7, 2012 -- Updated 1258 GMT (2058 HKT) NEW: Floodwaters rose sharply and inundated homes as people slept, Russian media report At least 78 people are confirmed dead, Russia's Emergencies Ministry says The flash floods follow heavy rains in the area since Friday. Russia's state-run Itar-Tass news agency said most of the dead were in the Krymsk district, a mostly rural area with many one-storey homes. Flood waters rose 7 meters (23 feet) overnight in Krymsk, the news agency said, flooding homes while most people were still asleep. Others were rescued by police after seeking refuge on roofs and in trees, it reported. Bodies have also been recovered in the Gelendzhik district and in the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, the Emergencies Ministry said. The state-run Ria Novosti news agency said dozens of passenger trains have been diverted in the region as the water level remains 19 inches above the tracks.