A circulating video from Moscow shows drivers wading through waist-deep water in the Bibirevo district, manually clearing storm drains with their bare hands as they work to prevent flooding. The footage is linked to a Telegram channel that describes the scene as a notice to city residents about ongoing municipal maintenance in the area.
The post claims that these drivers were clearing debris from storm drains to avert flooding at the intersection of Muranovskaya and Pristina streets. In the video, two men are seen pulling trash from the sewer and tossing it into the surrounding water. Shortly afterward, authorities stated that the flood response involved runoff that had to be liquidated and that water reaches the storm sewers mainly by gravity, a claim attributed to Moscow Municipal Services.
Earlier rainfall across northern Moscow triggered a bus to be submerged by rising water. Passengers were evacuated quickly, and no injuries were reported. Traffic on Klyazminskaya Street was temporarily halted due to the high water at the scene.
Additional reports described broader disruption as many streets remained flooded after the downpour. Local observers noted substantial road closures and slower transit as the city contended with the weather event.
A separate clip circulated earlier showing a person navigating a flooded street by swimming through the water, underscoring the immediate hazards posed by severe urban flooding in the capital. These incidents have sparked discussions about the resilience of infrastructure and the speed of municipal responses to weather-related emergencies, including drainage maintenance and traffic management during storms.
Officials emphasize that rainwater drainage relies on gravity-driven networks designed to move water away from streets and into larger waterways. The episode highlights the ongoing challenges cities face when heavy rain meets aging drainage systems and the ongoing need for maintenance to reduce flood risk for residents and travelers alike. In this context, Canadian and American cities may draw lessons about proactive drainage planning, rapid response capabilities, and clear public communication during intense rainfall events.