Bulgaria struggles with heavy floods

2014-06-20 161

In Bulgaria, at least 14 people have reportedly died after torrential rains and floods hit the east of the country.

A state of emergency has been declared in the port city of Varna, the scene of some of the worst destruction.

Many drivers has to be rescued after sudden flash floods swept their cars away.

Hundreds of locals have been left without electricity.

Yanko Gospodinov, 65, has been living in Varna since 1971.

“The floods have caused a lot of damage that will be difficult to repair…I don’t know where all this water has come from. It’s terrifying,” he said.

In the centre of Bulgaria, rescue teams said many houses were flooded. Roads and footpaths remain covered in mud, rocks and branches.

“Everywhere here was in water up to my waist. I was rescuing my animals one by one. Rabbits and a chicken died. I saved the goat and a little lamb. There are about 25 tonnes of water in the basement,” said Ivan Marinov, from Kilifarevo village.

Bridges in many areas have been damaged and roads ripped apart.

As the extreme weather is set to continue, many rivers are close to bursting their banks.