Heavy rainfall that struck Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency, has now claimed four lives, police confirmed on Saturday.
The latest victim, a 58-year-old woman, was found buried under mud in her home after her husband, who had arrived from Russia, reported her missing, officials said.
Earlier, three deaths had already been reported following storms that battered Elenite, a resort town on the edge of the Black Sea, on Friday.
- Interior Minister Daniel Mitov told Bulgarian state radio:
“Among the victims were two rescuers, one a border police officer and the other a tractor driver.”
- Authorities also reported that another individual was swept away by the rising waters at a hotel.
Social media footage captured torrents of muddy water washing away cars along one of Elenite’s main streets.
- The flood struck shortly before midday on Friday, causing extensive damage to buildings and roads.
- A state of emergency has been declared in several communities in southeastern and northwestern Bulgaria.
Environmentalists have long warned about over-development along the Black Sea coast, arguing that it exacerbates damage during natural disasters.
Key Facts:
| Item | Details |
| Location | Elenite and other coastal towns, Bulgaria |
| Death toll | 4 (including two rescuers) |
| Damage | Buildings, roads, vehicles swept away |
| Cause | Heavy rainfall, flooding |
| Emergency measures | State of emergency declared in SE and NW regions |
| Environmental warning | Over-development increases disaster impact |
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, with rescue teams working to assist residents and assess structural damage across affected areas.
