Torrential Rains Hit Bulgaria

Three Bulgarian towns have declared emergency situations over the torrential rains that hit the country over the last 24 hours. The municipalities of Ihtiman, Kostenets and Gorna Malina are still fighting with the nature disaster. More than 1,500 people in Ihtiman have been evacuated because of the rain. The people have been gathered at the local schools and they are being supplied with food and beverages, mayor Margarita Petkova announced. The water in the streets reached 1,80 meters. Two of the nearby dams have been destroyed. Six people with minor injuries have been taken to the Ihtiman hospital. The damages caused by the floods that hit Bulgaria over the last two months are worth EUR 150 M, EU experts announced. About 3,200 people live in the regions, which were hit by heavy rainfalls from May 25th till July 20th this year. The number of the people directly affected by the natural disasters totals 2 million. According to data of the Finance Ministry as of July 25, registered damages amount to BGN 250 M.