Coastal settlements are at risk of flooding similar to that in Elenite and Tsarevo. Updated detailed maps show the territories that could potentially be flooded during heavy rain. The maps were prepared by experts from the Black Sea Region River Basin Directorate.
What do the inspections of water bodies show?
Eng. Yavor Dimitrov, Director of the Black Sea Region River Basin Directorate - Varna: “Following the events last month in Elenite and Tsarevo, by order of the Minister of Environment and Water, employees of the River Basin Directorate and the Regional Inspectorates of Environment and Water in Burgas and Varna, we started inspections of water bodies along the Southern and Northern Black Sea coast in the country. The aim was to identify unauthorized use of water bodies, filling or covering them with waste, or potential construction in or near the water bodies. The results of these inspections showed that in almost one-third of the inspected sections, we encounter various inconsistencies and violations of the Water Act; the corresponding documents have been drawn up and forwarded to the competent authorities for subsequent measures. We must first understand that these extreme manifestations in nature will become more frequent. Lately, we have witnessed local torrential rains that create damage; in this specific case, we even have human casualties. We must understand that floods have happened in the past, are happening now, and will probably happen in the future. But what we are undertaking is to assess this risk, to study it in as many sections as possible, and to implement the appropriate measures to reduce the damage.”