Apriltsi declares state of emergency, cancels celebrations of April Uprising

A state of emergency has been declared in the municipality of Apriltsi after torrential rainfall caused rivers to overflow their banks.

The official celebration of the 150th anniversary of the April Uprising, which President Iliana Iotova was scheduled to attend, has been canceled.

“At the moment, all three rivers in the Apriltsi area have overflowed. One bridge has collapsed - fortunately a pedestrian bridge, not a road bridge. We are currently trying to save another bridge because uprooted trees have become jammed against it, and if the water level rises even a little more, that bridge will collapse too. One street has been washed away, and several houses are now inaccessible because the ravine crossing perpendicular to the street carried the road away", Apriltsi Mayor Tihomir Kukenski told Bulgarian National Radio.

The road to Pleven Hut and the approaches to the mountain hut are closed because the river there has also overflowed, covering the road with rocks and trees. Tourists currently staying at the hut are being told to remain there until further notice, the mayor added.

One woman was rescued during the night by the municipal emergency response unit after nearly drowning, with water reaching up to her armpits. "The situation is critical, which is why we are canceling all celebrations,” Apriltsi Mayor Tihomir Kukenski told the BNR.

Edited by R. Petkova