Torrential Rains Cause Floods Throughout Bulgaria

Heavy rains have flooded parts of Bulgaria on Wednesday night, local media outlets report.

Rainfall of up to 75 liters per square meter has flooded basements and ground floors of private homes in Sliven municipality. Fire brigade teams worked all night long to drain the flooded property, Darik news informs.

More than 70 liters per square meter poured down in the municipality of Shumen. Meanwhile, a severe storm hit the village of Poibrene in central Bulgarian Panagyurishte municipality, flooding a dozen of houses.

A controlled release of water began in two reservoirs in southern Bulgarian Kardzhali municipality due to increasing water levels.

State of emergency was declared in the village of Petrich and partly in the town of Zlatitza in west Bulgaria. The Topolnitsa River has flooded houses in the village center and has demolished a small bridge.

Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova has ordered constant monitoring of rivers passing through the city, the press office of the municipality announced. Following the rain, water levels have risen by 20 cm.

Bulgaria's Ministry of Environment and Water has warned of possible flash floods throughout the country on Thursday.