A state of emergency has been declared in Strumyani municipality after torrential rain caused two powerful waves on the Shashka and Zlinska mountain rivers, flooding homes and damaging infrastructure. Seven people were evacuated, while authorities said there were no reports of deaths or injuries.
The flooding cut off water and electricity supplies in Strumyani and disrupted the railway line through the area. Communications in the municipal center were also affected. The road connections to Strumyani and the nearby village of Ilindentsi have since been reopened, but emergency crews continue to clear debris and assess the damage.
The heavy rain began late in the evening, with the first emergency call received at 11:39 p.m. Firefighters and rescue teams were sent to Strumyani and Ilindentsi, where access was initially difficult because of large trees, rocks and heavy deposits carried by the floodwaters.
Several private homes were damaged and seven cars were swept away. Bridge structures were also affected, while two dogs were reported killed. The village of Ilindentsi sustained damage, and the water supply to the village of Ploski was also interrupted.
Seven people were urgently evacuated shortly before midnight. “There are damaged private homes, which is good that no people were injured. Late last night, before midnight, seven people were urgently evacuated, so there were no injuries,” said Alexander Dzhartov, director of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection.
