Flooding occured at a Moscow metro station due to heavy rainfall
On a stormy day in Moscow on July 14, 2025, a severe thunderstorm hit the city, causing the Rizhskaya metro station to flood. The storm brought about 85 mm of rain in under two hours, which is roughly a month's worth of July rainfall.
The storm was accompanied by strong winds with gusts reaching 20–23 m/s and frequent lightning strikes. The heavy rainfall overwhelmed the city's drainage systems, leading to rapid flooding in low-lying areas like metro stations and underpasses.
The Rizhskaya station's vestibule was temporarily closed due to flooding, and similar issues were reported at the Technopark station. Several metro stations faced disruptions, while trams were backed up due to flooding on Otkrytye Highway. Trains to Sheremetyevo Airport were temporarily halted due to technical issues, and Dmitrovskoye Highway was completely closed near Verkhniye Likhobory metro station.
Cars were submerged, and buildings suffered from flooding, including the lower floors and roofs of high-rise buildings.
In response to this incident, several preventive measures have been proposed. Enhancing urban drainage systems to handle heavy rainfall better could mitigate flooding. Emergency services should be equipped to respond quickly to such events to minimize damage and disruptions. Public awareness about the risks of urban flooding and instructions on how to deal with stalled vehicles in water can help prevent further damage. Regular inspection and maintenance of metro stations and other infrastructure can help identify vulnerabilities before severe weather events occur.
Implementing these measures requires both short-term emergency planning and long-term infrastructure investments to safeguard against future flooding incidents in Moscow. The Moscow City Government has warned residents and visitors of potential rain and thunderstorms on July 17, urging them to be extra vigilant on the streets and avoid taking shelter under trees during storms.
The incident was reported by the Telegram channel "Caution, Moscow." The rainwater successfully drained into the station's drainage system, as reported by the Moscow Metro's press service. The Rizhskaya station is currently operating normally, according to the press service of the Moscow Metro.
It is important to remember that preventive measures are key to minimizing the impact of such events. By taking proactive steps, cities like Moscow can better protect their citizens and infrastructure from the effects of heavy rain and flooding.
- The general-news report from "Caution, Moscow" highlighted the severe weather conditions in Moscow on July 14, 2025, which included a thunderstorm accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds.
- To mitigate the impact of future heavy rainfall and flooding events, the Moscow City Government is considering implementing measures such as enhancing urban drainage systems, quick responsesfrom emergency services, public awareness campaigns, regular infrastructure inspections, and proactive maintenance of critical infrastructure.
