Transport Minister: Illegal Buildings to Blame for Varna Flood Victims

Transport Minister Danail Papazov has suggested that the illegal construction in the gully near Varna's Asparuhovo district is to blame for the tragic consequences of the flood.

The Asparuhovo residential district of Bulgaria’s Black Sea city of Varna reported a death toll of 11 after heavy rain and severe flooding on Thursday.

In a Sunday interview for the Bulgarian National Radio, Papazov argued that the illegal buildings and concrete fences were to blame for the tragedy.

He explained that the high fences in the worst-affected street in the Asparuhovo district had helped channel the high waters as if through a canal.

Papazov suggested that the construction permits should not have been issued in the face of a lack of adequate infrastructure.

Bulgaria’s Transport Minister made clear that the government was to decide on measures to cope with the serious damage at its upcoming sitting on Wednesday.

Asked to specify when the socialist-led government intended to resign, Papazov said that the Cabinet was ready to step down 60 days ahead of the day of the early elections.