Nizhny Novgorod battles severe flooding after rapid snowmelt and thaw
Nizhny Novgorod's Avtozavodsky District is tackling severe flooding after heavy snowfall and a rapid thaw. Cleanup operations are underway across the area, with crews working non-stop to clear drains and remove excess water. Both municipal teams and housing management companies have joined the effort to prevent further damage.
Road maintenance teams are operating 24/7 to manage the crisis. They have already cleared inlets along major roads and are now focusing on courtyards and smaller access routes. Around 70% of the district's 826 storm drains have been unclogged to help meltwater flow away.
Over 60 water-pumping units and 30 portable pumps are deployed across the city. Four specialised vehicles are running continuously to pump out standing water, while nine heavy machines break up ice and 12 dump trucks haul away snow. Municipal services are prioritising drain grates to stop blockages and reduce flooding risks. Housing management companies have also stepped in, with 142 firms actively clearing residential courtyards. Alexander Nagin, the district head, personally inspected the progress of the cleanup. The coordinated effort aims to limit disruption as melting snow and ice overwhelm drainage systems.
The ongoing work involves round-the-clock shifts from road crews, housing companies, and emergency services. With most storm inlets now cleared, the focus remains on preventing further water buildup. Officials continue monitoring the situation as the thaw progresses.
