St. Petersburg experienced significant flooding on July 31st due to brief but intense downpours that overwhelmed the city’s drainage system. According to Vodokanal, the city’s water utility, the storm drains are functioning correctly, but the sheer volume of rainfall in a short period caused streets to flood.

The Central District of St. Petersburg saw over 24 mm of rain in just one hour, with a peak intensity of 15.6 mm in 20 minutes, which Vodokanal’s press service reports is more than double the usual amount.

While the drainage system was prepared for the rain, Vodokanal stated that the system’s capacity was exceeded by the above-average rainfall, leading to the formation of puddles that eventually drained.

Eyewitnesses reported flooding on Magnitogorskaya Street, Bolshaya Raznochinnaya Street, Irinovsky Prospekt, Dvortsovaya Embankment, and in the tunnel under Liteyny Bridge. Vodokanal dispatched teams to investigate the reported locations.

The water utility confirmed that on Latyshskikh Streltsov Street, Bolshaya Raznochinnaya Street, and Irinovsky Prospekt, the drainage system successfully cleared all the water. They also clarified that the sewage networks under the Liteyny Bridge are not managed by Vodokanal.

Residents can report water accumulation on roads by calling 004 or 576-14-83, with calls being answered around the clock.