Bulgaria and Balkans: Floods, snow, and extreme weather chaos
The death toll from catastrophic floods on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast has risen to at least five, with hundreds of residents evacuated from the path of surging waters.
Severe weather, including heavy rains and flooding, has also caused widespread disruption across several counties in Romania, while unseasonal snow continues in mountainous regions.
In Bulgaria, the waters have receded, leaving behind devastating scenes, with homes, roads, and bridges destroyed. Rescue teams are working tirelessly to aid the victims.
One resident said: “It’s horrendous. The sight is terrible. We’re pumping out the water. We’ve brought in shovels and heavy machinery. During a flood, it’s crucial not to step where you can’t see what to expect; we were moving with the aid of sticks to avoid a fall.”
Over 200 residents were evacuated. Some of those affected have returned to their homes, hoping to recover belongings.
“We came to try and find something—at least our passports and some documents,” another local said. “We have nothing left. We’ll take a look now, perhaps a bag with some personal items.”
In the resort of Elenite, emergency measures have been introduced following reports of looting, after several individuals were detained in possession of large sums of money and valuables. To combat the thefts, roadblocks have been established, with police only permitting access to locals who can present identification and proof of ownership.
Extreme weather is also affecting Romania. Heavy rainfall and wind gusts exceeding 90km/h were recorded in Bucharest and the counties of Dolj, Olt, and Constanţa, with precipitation levels surpassing 110 litres per square metre.
When asked about the situation, one local in the capital said: “Terrible. Awful, really bad. Terrible.”
Tourists in the mountains are advised to avoid hiking in the coming days.
Balkan countries, including North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Serbia, are also facing unseasonal snowfall, with temperatures as low as -4C (25F). In Kosovo and Serbia, the snow layer could reach up to 15 centimetres, meteorologists warn.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
