Partial state of emergency in Gabrovo and Dryanovo after torrential rain

The municipalities of Gabrovo and Dryanovo declared a partial state of emergency overnight due to torrential rainfall. The Yantra River and Dryanovska River overflowed their banks, leaving certain areas and streets underwater. Private homes have been flooded.

After yesterday’s rainfall, which continued for hours and intensified last night, major boulevards in Gabrovo were submerged, some streets in the city became inaccessible, and the Yantra River overflowed.

The disaster also affected Dryanovo, where the bridge leading to the railway line was seriously damaged. Water entered basements and ground floors, and sections of the asphalt road surface in Gabrovo were washed away. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries.

According to the Municipality of Gabrovo, rainfall for the 24-hour period on May 22 reached nearly 52 liters per square meter. During the night, the municipality convened representatives of various institutions to coordinate the response.

Inspections of high-risk areas are continuing. The water level of Hristo Smirnenski Dam is being constantly monitored, with approximately 2.5 million cubic meters of free capacity remaining in the reservoir. The most concerning aspect of the worsening situation is the forecast for continued rainfall.