Flooding in Bulgaria occurs due to mountainous terrain and a dense river network, making it prone to flash flooding. Rivers such as the Danube, Maritsa, and Struma are responsible for the flooding patterns in the region.[1] Heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and inadequate drainage infrastructure contribute to floods. Bulgaria's 600 to 800 millimeters of annual precipitation can lead to intense summer downpours and rapid runoff.[2] According to available data, flood damages in Bulgaria exceeded €500 million between 2005 and 2014. Recent events like the 2022 floods have also resulted in significant economic losses and evacuations.[3]
List of Floods
2014 Floods
The 2014 Bulgaria floods occurred in June 2014, primarily affecting the northeastern regions of Bulgaria, including Varna and Dobrich.[4] A total of 16 deaths were reported, with casualties occurring in the Asparuhovo district of Varna, where many houses were swept away.[5] Due to a Mediterranean cyclone, extreme weather produced rainfall rates that exceeded the average monthly totals in just 24 hours,[6] leading to flash floods and extensive damage. The flood's total damage cost was estimated to exceed €311 million, which impacted infrastructure, agriculture, and housing across the affected areas.[7]
2022 Floods
- On September 2, Floods occurred in the Plovdiv Province after heavy rainfall, affecting several villages including Bogdan, Rozino, Karavelovo, Stoletovo, Pesnopoi, and Trilistnik.[3] The flooding reached depths of 1.5 to 2 meters in some areas, with the entire village of Bogdan being flooded after an embankment along the Stryama River failed, destroying at least 200 homes.[8] Military helicopters were deployed to deliver relief supplies and rescue people. Approximately 500 people were rescued to safer areas, and at least 1,920 people were affected, with estimated damages of 60 million BGN[2], impacting the municipalities of Karlovo, Kaloyanovo, and Maritsa.[1]
2023 Tsarevo Floods
- Floods occurred in Tsarevo, Bulgaria, from September 4-6, 2023. Heavy rains caused severe flooding, killing four people[8] and damaging infrastructure.[9] Kosti village received 311 mm of rainfall in 14 hours, exceeding four times the average September rainfall.[10] Gramatikovo village recorded 275 mm, roughly three times the average monthly norm. The floods affected Rezovo, Lozenets, Tsarevo, Ahtopol, and Varvara. Mayor Georgi Lapchev declared a state of disaster. Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov pledged government compensation. The floods destroyed two bridges affecting approximately 4,000 people. The damage was estimated at BGN 38 million.[11] The Bulgarian Interior Ministry reported the four fatalities, including Maria Moskova, president of the regional court, and her daughter.[12]
References
