Heavy rain causes new localized flooding, but the situation is gradually returning to normal

Torrential rain flooded underpasses in Varna and caused landslides in various regions of the country. In Veliko Tarnovo (Central Bulgaria), the Yantra River has reached 2 meters and 20 centimeters, which is close to the critical level, but there is no risk of flooding, Veliko Tarnovo Mayor Daniel Panov announced on social media.

The situation along the Black Sea coast is gradually normalizing after the recent floods. Today, the regional crisis headquarters in Burgas is expected to prepare a recovery plan for "Elenite" resort and for the town of Tsarevo. The coastal areas were the hardest hit by the floods on October 2, which resulted in human casualties and significant material and infrastructure damage.

Tap water in the flooded areas should not be used as laboratory results on its safety are still pending. Water from wells and boreholes is also not safe, the Ministry of Health emphasizes. A state of emergency remains in place in the municipality of Tran (Western Bulgaria), where residents are without electricity. Power outages are also reported in the municipalities of Kyustendil, Pleven, Cherven Bryag and Lovech.

A red code alert for heavy rainfall has been issued today for 8 regions of the country – Silistra, Razgrad, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Pleven, Lovech and Gabrovo. In many places within these regions, the 24-hour rainfall amounts will exceed 65 mm, and in some areas, even surpass 100 mm. An orange warning is in effect for the regions of Vratsa, Targovishte and Dobrich. A yellow code alert is in effect for the regions of Montana, Varna and Shumen, according to the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology.