Following instructions from the outgoing Minister of Environment and Water, Manol Genov, the four basin directorates have produced combined maps of areas with significant potential flood risk for the entire country. This was announced by the press center of the Ministry of Environment and Water (MOEW).
The maps combine information from the cadastral map, satellite images, and excerpts from specialized maps at an appropriate scale. The aim is to provide better visualization and analysis of vulnerable territories and areas with an increased risk of flooding, the ministry explained.
The priority execution of the task began in the "Black Sea Region" Basin Directorate – Varna at the beginning of October, immediately after the devastating floods on the Black Sea coast. It was there that the pilot model for integrating spatial data was applied, which was subsequently expanded to the other regions of the country, the MOEW pointed out.
The measure is part of the consistent efforts of the Ministry of Environment and Water to increase the effectiveness of water management, as well as to strengthen prevention and preparedness in the event of flood risk at the national level. The combined maps and the detailed report with findings after the inspections will be sent to the competent authorities – regional governors, mayors of municipalities, the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW) and the "National Construction Control" Directorate (DNCC), the Ministry of Environment noted.
The integration of data in these maps is related to taking actions of competence for prevention and control over areas at risk of flooding. Thus, local and regional authorities will have access to up-to-date information and, when issuing building permits and planning infrastructure projects, will take into account the risk zones designated in them. Final data processing and public access to the combined maps are also forthcoming, the MOEW also informed.
After the flood on the Black Sea coast in October, a review of the water bodies there was carried out. Over 20 water bodies were inspected, covering 52 river sections – 16 on the North and 36 on the South Black Sea coast, said the Minister of Ecology, Manol Genov, in November. The results showed that in 27% of the surveyed riverbeds there were violations, in 38% the regulatory framework was complied with, and for the rest, cleaning and monitoring are necessary.