The intensive development of the capital leads to the overload of the stormwater drainage system
This is reported by Kyiv24
Kyiv is facing the threat of large-scale flooding due to chaotic construction, which complicates the operation of the stormwater drainage system. According to architect and infrastructure researcher Oleg Grechukha, the city’s engineering networks are not designed for such loads, which under conditions of heavy rainfall can lead to flooding similar to that already observed in Odesa.
Most Vulnerable Areas of Kyiv
The expert emphasized that the situation is particularly complicated on the right bank of the capital due to the terrain. This is where the areas with the highest risk of flooding are located — primarily districts with elevation changes and places where rivers historically flowed.
“The right bank of Kyiv is generally hilly. Of course, these are the rivers that historically existed in Kyiv – there, Klov, Hlibovytsia, meaning all these places where water flows down from the streets and actually accumulates. For this, drainage systems were designed: Kyiv has a network of various underground labyrinths where water is supposed to flow and drain. But when there is more concrete, more rain, and the stormwater drainage system does not increase, then such problems arise,” said Grechukha.
List of Problematic Locations
The architect identified Lybidska and Hlibovytska streets, as well as squares and areas located along the historical riverbeds of small rivers, as zones of increased risk. Here, water accumulates most often due to elevation changes and hydrological features.
Among other problematic areas in Kyiv, Halytska Square was mentioned, as well as the districts near the “Livoberezhna” and “Palats Sportu” metro stations. These places regularly suffer from flooding after heavy rains, indicating the need for modernization of the stormwater infrastructure.