Transport services in Minsk halted for nearly an hour.
On July 16, Minsk, the capital city of Belarus, experienced unexpected flooding, despite rainfall being below the average monthly norm of 98 mm. According to reports by BelTA, four road sections were submerged, leading to significant traffic congestion and halts in public transport.
The heavy rain on July 15 had a more profound impact, causing extensive flooding in Minsk. Seventeen road sections were affected, resulting in severe traffic jams, with reports of 10-point traffic jams in some areas. The flooding likely disrupted public transport, although specific details about the impact on buses or trains are not available.
The flooding on July 16 caused four incidents, as reported by the Ministry of Emergency Situations. One of these incidents occurred near the "ExpoBel" shopping center in the Minsk region, where heavy rain washed away soil, causing a section of asphalt to collapse on a parking lot. Emergency services responded promptly to pump out water from a flooded residential building in the same region.
In a related incident in Baranavichy, the city center was hit by heavy rain, leading to the flooding of the Central Market on Chyornyševskaya Street.
Weather forecasts predict that Minsk will continue to experience unstable weather conditions. On July 17, thunderstorms with heavy rain are expected across the country, accompanied by gusts of wind reaching 15-20 m/s. Minsk is also expected to experience thunderstorms during the day on July 17.
Belhydromet and MES have issued warnings for July 17, advising residents to take precautions against potential flooding and strong winds. It is essential to stay informed about local weather forecasts and official meteorological reports for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Despite the challenges posed by the unexpected flooding, emergency services have worked diligently to restore the affected areas and ensure the safety of the public. The flooding incidents on July 16 and 15 have once again highlighted the importance of being prepared for sudden weather changes and the need for effective emergency response systems.
The unstable weather conditions in Minsk, as predicted, led to more accidents and fires on July 17. The Ministry of Emergency Situations reported five incidents, including a car accident due to heavy rain on a flooded road and a fire in a residential building caused by a short-circuit in an electrical appliance during a thunderstorm.
In addition to the accidents and fires, the heavy rain caused the general-news of flooding to persist in some areas, with reports of waterlogged streets and submerged buildings that further hindered the movement of traffic and public transport. The weather radars continue to show scattered showers and thunderstorms over Minsk, indicating the potential for further flooding incidents if rainfall intensifies.
