Bulgaria Flooding: Petrich and Razlog Submerged After Torrential Rainfall
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A devastating deluge has caused widespread flooding in southwestern Bulgaria, wiht the towns of Petrich and Razlog particularly hard hit. Streets have transformed into rivers, and numerous homes and basements are inundated with water following an unprecedented downpour and the overflow of the Yazo River.
Heavy rainfall, totaling 30 liters per square meter in just a few hours, overwhelmed drainage systems in Petrich on Thursday, November 21, leading too significant urban flooding. Residents are reporting flooded basements and homes, and emergency services are working to mitigate the damage.
Yazo River Overflow Threatens Razlog
The situation is particularly critical in Razlog, where the Yazo River has breached its banks. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, as the town teeters on the brink of widespread flooding. According to reports, the Ministry of Interior and the fire brigade are currently on the ground, actively responding to the emergency.
“The river has gone out of its bed,” a senior official stated, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Emergency Response Underway
Emergency crews are working tirelessly to assist residents and prevent further damage. The immediate focus is on evacuating those in the most vulnerable areas and providing support to those affected by the flooding. The Ministry of Interior has deployed additional resources, including boats and high-capacity pumps, to Razlog and Petrich. Local volunteers are also assisting with sandbagging efforts.
The scale of the disaster is still being assessed, but initial reports indicate substantial property damage. As of friday, November 22, authorities report over 100 homes flooded in Petrich and evacuations underway for approximately 200 residents in razlog. No injuries have been reported at this time, but search and rescue teams are on standby.
The rapid accumulation of rainfall highlights the vulnerability of infrastructure in the region to extreme weather events. This incident underscores the urgent need for improved flood defenses and disaster preparedness measures in southwestern Bulgaria. The Yazo River receded slightly late Friday, allowing emergency crews to begin assessing damage and restoring essential services. The situation remains fluid, and further updates will be provided as they become available.
