site.btaSofia Ready to Assist Possible Evacuation of Bulgarians in Flood-Hit Greece

Bulgaria is ready to provide assistance if it becomes necessary to transport or evacuate Bulgarian citizens affected by the floods in Greece, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Mariya Gabriel told journalists on Friday.

The Foreign Ministry is following the situation. "We are keeping in touch with our consul general in Thessaloniki," Gabriel said. "We have made sure that the Bulgarians have what they need in this situation: food, water, medicines."

She noted that the Greek authorities can reach distressed Bulgarians in Greece more quickly than anyone else, and the Bulgarian government is ready to react.

Discussing September 5 floods on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, Gabriel said Bulgaria may ask for support through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism if it cannot cope on its own. "For now, the armed forces, the police, the fire service - everyone is mobilized," she added.