Bulgarian municipalities declare state of emergency after heavy rains

The municipalities of Bourgas and Smolyan in southern Bulgaria have declared a state of emergency following heavy rains and strong winds that resulted in flooding. The torrential rains have caused landslides and significant damage to roads and bridges, leaving numerous buildings under water. So far three casualties have been reported, including one child.

Emergency teams of fire safety officers have stayed on duty throughout the crisis and are bracing for further damage as the powerful storms continue. Bulgaria’s Ministry of Environment and Water warned that ongoing heavy rains in Bourgas and Smolyan were expected to cause substantial increases in river levels by Sunday, threatening further flooding in the region. Bulgarian officials remain alert as 14 other municipalities are expected to receive similarly heavy rains.