site.btaBourgas, Primorsko Mourn Victims of Violent Rainstorms

Bourgas, Primorsko Mourn
Victims of Violent
Rainstorms


Bourgas, on the Black Sea, September 8 (BTA) - The seaside towns
 of Bourgas and Primorsko are observing a day of mourning Monday
 for the victims of violent rainstorms which struck on September
 6. The disaster killed two women near Bourgas and a man in
Primorsko.

Public festivities were cancelled in these areas and flags were
lowered to half mast. Bourgas Mayor Dimiter Nikolov said he will
 propose awards for two men, Nikolai Kirilov and Nikolai Gradev,
 who helped rescue people from vehicles overturned in the
flooding, saving several lives.

The huge amount of rain dumped by the storm was one of the
causes for the Bourgas tragedy. The situation in the area has
returned to normal. Early estimates show that the damage in the
whole of Bourgas Region, including the towns of Bourgas and
Primorsko, amounts to 1.5 million leva.

Bourgas Town Hall said the authorities are trying to identify
two other men who lent a helping hand in the rescue effort.
Mayor Nikolov issued an appeal asking the two to contact him in
order to receive the public distinction they deserve. Nikolov
said the positive example set by citizens should not remain
anonymous.

In the last few days, floods affected over 70 areas nationwide,
most critically in the regions of Bourgas, Stara Zagora and
Haskovo. The municipality of Primorsko declared a state of
emergency as local infrastructure was damaged, roads were closed
 to traffic, a bridge collapsed and homes were flooded. The
southern parts of Stara Zagora Region (also in the south of the
country) were flooded by heavy rain which amounted to 100 litres
 per square metre.

The Macedonian news agency MIA said the Macedonian government
has decided to offer Bulgaria flood relief aid. The type and
amount of that aid will be determined after consultations with
Bulgaria and will depend on what is urgently needed.

The Environment and Water Ministry in Sofia warned of rising
water levels in southern Bulgarian rivers. SN/VE

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