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Presidential Administration to investigate Minsk’s storm drainage system

The Presidential Administration will probe into the condition of Minsk’s storm drainage system, Belarus’ First Channel reported on Friday.

"A decision was made to investigate comprehensively the entire city`s storm water drainage system in Minsk," Anatol Kalinin, the Administration’s chief inspector for the capital city, was broadcast as saying.

Mr. Kalinin said that “independent experts” had been already invited. “We will conduct monitoring and take measures to minimize flooding risks in the city of Minsk,” the official said.

A rainfall of 56 millimeters (62 percent of the average monthly rainfall) was recorded in an area near the Maskowskaya subway station and 77 millimeters (85 percent) near the Minsk 1 airport, according to the National Hydrometeorology Center.

It hailed in some parts of the city; hailstones were as big as one centimeter in diameter.

The downpour flooded more than 50 road sections, according to Vital Navitski, spokesman for the emergency management ministry.

Traffic was paralyzed on some thoroughfares, including Nyamiha, Bahdanovicha, Kuybyshava and Prytytskaha Streets and Independence, Dzerzhinsky and Partyzanski Avenues. The Uskhod and Park Chalyuskintsaw subway stations had to close down.

At the city’s Second Traffic Ring, the pedestrian underpass was completely filled with water. Vehicles drove on the pavement to continue their journeys.

Water had to be removed in two hospitals and the St. Simon and St. Helena Church at Independence Square.

Rescue teams helped marooned passengers out of flooded buses. //BelaPAN