In the spring of 1908, one of the largest floods occurred in Moscow. It began on April 23 and lasted several days. Although the river overflow happened unusually late, its scale was enormous and exceeded all expectations. As a result of the overflow of the Moskva, Yauza, and Drainage Canal rivers, a significant part of the city was flooded, almost one-fifth of its area.

About 100 km of streets and alleys were underwater. Five districts on the right bank of the Moskva River were particularly affected: the second Khamovniki, both sections of the Yakimanka area, and both sections of Pyatnitskaya. Water flooded homes in Dorogomilovo and Zamoskvorechye, as well as the walls of the Kremlin, rising on average by 2.3 meters from the level of the roadway.

The water level in the river rose nine meters compared to summer levels. The flooded streets became impassable, and the tram service ceased operations. Residents from different parts of Moscow, separated by the flood, were transported across bridges on carts and carriages by cab drivers. Boatmen delivered people along the streets and between houses.