25 Oct 2017 | 02:16 PM UTC
Bulgaria: Heavy rains leave at least three dead October 25 /update 1
Heavy rains in Burgas, surrounding villages in southeastern Bulgaria leave at least three dead as of October 25; power outages reported in five villages
Event
Heavy rainfall in southeastern Bulgaria, particularly in the city of Burgas and surrounding areas, has left at least three people dead and at least one more missing as of Wednesday, October 25. Power outages were reported in at least five villages in Kameno municipality on Wednesday, where Bulgarian authorities have declared a state of emergency. The village of Trastikovo (Kameno municipality) was evacuated on Wednesday after floodwaters broke a river levee. A partial state of emergency has also been issued for Burgas municipality to facilitate emergency response.
No flight disruptions at Burgas International Airport (BOJ) are being reported, but other transportation disruptions, including delays and cancelations on bus and rail services as well as increased road traffic congestion, are likely in affected areas. According to the Bulgarian National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), disruptions to communications, electrical, and water networks are also likely in the coming hours as heavy rain is expected to continue at least through Wednesday.
Context
Among the provinces most severely affected by this week's heavy rains and consequent flooding are those in the country's southeast, including Burgas, Yambol, Haskovo, and Kardzhali provinces.
Adverse weather conditions on Tuesday prompted the NIMH to issue an orange alert warning - the second highest on three-point scale - for 18 provinces across the country. A red alert warning - the highest warning - was issued for Burgas municipality on Wednesday.
Advice
Individuals in Bulgaria are advised to follow local weather forecasts and confirm travel reservations. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.
