Heavy rain causes Moscow river to overflow, floods streets

MOSCOW – Heavy rain in Moscow caused a river to burst its banks and flooded streets on Monday, trapping people in cars and buses.

Russian state news organizations said about 200 people had to be evacuated from stalled vehicles. No injuries were reported.

The weather service said from 6 p.m. Sunday to 6 p.m. Monday more than 102 millimeters (4 inches) of rain had fallen in Moscow, which is well over the monthly average for August. It is also far above the previous daily record of 63 millimeters.

In the morning, drivers and pedestrians were struggling to navigate flooded streets and sidewalks across the city as the rain pelted down and drainage systems failed to cope.

The worst flooding occurred in northeastern Moscow where the Yauza River burst its banks. The flooding closed streets and snarled traffic.