Lithuania: Poor maintenance and uncoordinated infrastructure blamed for frequent flooding

Frequent heavy rains are leading to widespread flooding of streets and buildings, prompting an examination of the underlying causes. Martynas Valančius, director of KRS, a company with extensive experience in infrastructure construction and repair, identifies several key reasons for the recurring inundation of underground parking lots, garages, and other building parts.

“

The primary reason is the improper maintenance of existing rainwater drainage systems. Pipelines, like any other equipment or structure, require regular inspection and cleaning. This is particularly crucial after winter or significant rainfall, as debris, sand, and street litter washed into the pipes can cause blockages.

"The primary reason is the improper maintenance of existing rainwater drainage systems," Valančius stated. He emphasized that these pipelines, like any other equipment or structure, require regular inspection and cleaning. This is particularly crucial after winter or significant rainfall, as debris, sand, and street litter washed into the pipes can cause blockages. Valančius also pointed out that building administrators often neglect this maintenance due to cost concerns, a practice that ultimately affects residents and city maintenance companies.

“

Building administrators often neglect this maintenance due to cost concerns, a practice that ultimately affects residents and city maintenance companies.

Another significant factor contributing to flooding risks is uncoordinated infrastructure between different objects. Valančius explained that if a street's drainage is not properly managed, water can flow downhill into lower-lying areas, such as underground parking lots or garages. The drainage systems in these areas are often not designed to handle the volume of water from an entire street, leading to overflows and damage to vehicles and property.

“

Another significant factor contributing to flooding risks is uncoordinated infrastructure between different objects. If a street's drainage is not properly managed, water can flow downhill into lower-lying areas, such as underground parking lots or garages.

Valančius suggested solutions like installing barriers at the entrances to parking lots and garages to prevent street water from entering. He also highlighted issues arising from private development, where raising land levels can redirect water onto neighboring properties, especially affecting those on lower ground. In hilly cities like Vilnius, this problem is compounded by natural terrain, leading to a situation where residents in higher-lying areas are less affected by flooding.

“

Solutions like installing barriers at the entrances to parking lots and garages to prevent street water from entering can mitigate flooding.