In the early hours of September 5, 2023, residents along Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast awoke to a nightmare. Torrential rains had turned normally tranquil streams into raging torrents. In the seaside municipality of Tsarevo, the bridge collapsed under the onslaught of water. One car was sent plunging into a swollen river after a bridge gave way, the rushing floodwaters dragging the vehicle and its passengers out into the Black Sea​ (1). Entire villages were inundated as floodwaters overwhelmed homes, swept away cars and camper vans, and obliterated roads and bridges (​2).

This catastrophe was not an isolated incident. It belongs to a pattern of increasingly frequent and severe floods in Bulgaria, a country grappling with both the caprices of nature and the consequences of human actions. From the Danube River in the north to the Black Sea coast in the east, Bulgaria’s geography and climate make it prone to flooding, a risk amplified by climate change, inadequate infrastructure maintenance, and unrestrained development. Recent years have brought a drumbeat of disasters: the 2014 Varna floods, which caused over €300 million in damage; the 2022 flash floods in central Bulgaria that destroyed at least 200 homes; and new flood emergencies in 2024 and 2025, underscoring how rising waters are testing the nation’s resilience.

A Nation on the Brink: Floods Becoming the New Normal

Bulgaria has a long history of flooding, but climate experts and officials warn that these events are becoming increasingly extreme. Statistics bear this out: the number of extreme weather events (including floods) in Bulgaria has increased by 50% in recent decades, compared to late 20th-century averages (​3). In 2022, the country was ranked among the ten most affected by extreme weather, with losses estimated at 0.3% of GDP (about €258 million), largely due to storms and flooding (​4). What were once “once-in-a-generation” floods now seem to strike every few years or even annually.

Just one year before the Tsarevo disaster, in September 2022, torrential rains hit the Karlovo region in central Bulgaria. Rivers like the Stryama burst their banks, and the village of Bogdan was entirely submerged after a levee failed​. Helicopters ferried stranded residents to safety as fast-moving waters wrecked infrastructure. By the time the waters receded, roughly 500 people had to be evacuated, and damages were estimated at around 60 million Bulgarian lev (≈approximately €30 million). Though miraculously there were no fatalities in that event, the social and economic toll was immense – homes, roads, and livelihoods washed away in hours.

Then came 2023, and the devastating Black Sea coastal floods around Tsarevo. Over just 24 hours, some areas in the Strandzha mountains received 300+ mm of rain – more than four times the monthly norm​. “The situation is very serious,” Tsarevo Mayor warned on live television as his town was engulfed (​5). The government declared a state of emergency, evacuating dozens of people as floodwaters tore through resorts and campsites. Images from the scene showed caravans and cars bobbing in the Black Sea amid debris from shattered houses (​6). Prime Minister, visiting the stricken region, pledged that the state would compensate victims and mobilize all resources for recovery​ (7).

Nor did the flooding relent after Tsarevo. In September 2024, heavy rains pounded the Varna region in eastern Bulgaria. The town of Beloslav declared a partial state of emergency as streets turned into muddy rivers, a landslide choked a local gully, and neighborhoods were swamped under rainfall far above normal levels (​8). Municipal crews, firefighters, company workers with heavy machinery, and ordinary citizens all mobilized to shore up dikes, clear debris, and rescue those in need​. Although no casualties were reported in that event, it was a stark reminder that virtually no part of the country is immune; from mountain valleys to Black Sea ports, floods can strike with little warning.

Most recently, in April 2025, unseasonable downpours hit northwestern Bulgaria, flooding more than 50 homes in the Montana and Vratsa regions (​9). Villagers in Lehchevo watched in despair as water rose in their homes; two people had to be evacuated by emergency teams as local authorities declared a state of disaster in the area. Fortunately, the rains subsided within a couple of days, but not before causing damage to farms and roads. These back-to-back incidents in 2023, 2024, and 2025 have stretched response efforts and left Bulgarians anxious that “normal” is shifting towards constant vigilance.

When Nature Turns Fierce: Climate and Geography Behind the Floods

Several natural factors have conspired to make Bulgaria a hotspot for flooding. Geography plays a leading role. This Balkan nation’s landscape ranges from the snow-capped peaks of the Rila and Balkan Mountains to the low-lying Danube Plain and the flat Black Sea coastline. Each region faces distinct flood threats:

• Intense Rainfall and Flash Floods: Bulgaria’s climate delivers wet springs and summers with occasional cloudbursts. When storms dump exceptional rain in a short time, the effect is immediate and violent. Mountainous and hilly regions are especially prone to flash floods – sudden surges that roar down narrow valleys with little warning. In 2014, for example, a Mediterranean cyclone unloaded a month’s worth of rain in 24 hours over the northeast; the ensuing flash floods in Varna and Dobrich killed at least 12 people​ and swept away homes. More recently, the Tsarevo tragedy illustrated how “extreme” rain is becoming routine, with over 311 mm falling in 14 hours at one location​, streams instantly turned into raging rivers. Such deluges overwhelm any drainage system and trigger landslides on waterlogged slopes.
• Rising Rivers and Spring Snowmelt: Bulgaria’s major rivers pose perennial risks. The Danube, forming the northern border, and rivers like the Maritsa in the south can overflow their banks during prolonged rain or rapid snowmelt. Each spring, runoff from melting snow in the Balkan and Rhodope Mountains surges into rivers. Communities along the Danube brace for this annual threat – for instance, back in 2006, a swollen Danube forced thousands to evacuate as dikes strained to hold back the water. When heavy rain coincides with the spring thaw, the flood hazard multiplies.
• Coastal Storm Surges: Along the Black Sea coast, autumn and winter storms can drive seawater inland. Coastal flooding in cities like Varna and Burgas is increasingly a concern as sea levels rise, providing storm waves with a higher starting point. During some recent storms, seaside promenades and ports have been left underwater. Natural buffers like sand dunes have diminished due to development, meaning storm surges now penetrate farther. In Tsarevo’s case, overflowing rivers combined with sea tides exacerbated the flooding, illustrating how converging natural forces can produce a catastrophe.
• Seasonal Swings and Climate Change: Different seasons bring different flood triggers – spring and summer deluges inland, winter storms on the coast – making flood management a year-round issue. And looming over all is the specter of climate change. Warming temperatures don’t just mean hotter summers; they are linked to more erratic and extreme precipitation. Scientists project that under high-emission scenarios, Bulgaria will see a greater proportion of its annual rainfall come in the form of “very wet days” (extreme rainfall events) by the late century (​10). Paradoxically, total rainfall might decrease over the long term, but when it does rain, it may come in torrential bursts. “We’re already noticing that when it rains, it pours – literally,” an environmental researcher quipped, pointing to the recent spike in record-breaking rainfalls. The data support this: compared to 30 years ago, extreme downpours are more frequent, upping the flood risk. In short, climate change is intensifying Bulgaria’s flood risk, increasing the likelihood of heavier storms and more unpredictable weather patterns.

Human Factors: How Development and Actions Fuel the Crisis

While nature sets the stage for flooding, human factors often determine how destructive a flood becomes. In Bulgaria’s case, years of missteps and oversights have aggravated the situation:

• Creeping Urbanization and Construction in Harm’s Way: As Bulgaria’s population and economy grew over recent decades, construction often spread into flood-prone areas – sometimes right into riverbeds and floodplains. In cities and towns, natural soak-away surfaces have been paved over, leaving rainwater with nowhere to go but the streets. Urban flooding is now a recurring problem in Sofia, Plovdiv, and other expanding cities, where heavy rain can turn intersections into ponds within minutes. Even more troubling, buildings have risen on riverbanks that historically provided a safety valve for floodwaters. For example, new residential complexes built near the Maritsa River in Plovdiv sit uncomfortably close to the water; by encroaching on the river’s natural floodplain, such developments end up directly in the path of potential floods​. Along the Black Sea, hotels and villas have sprung up on sandy dunes and marshlands that once acted as natural barriers against high water​. When storms hit now, these areas suffer worse flooding – a fate forewarned by urban planners but too often ignored in the rush of real estate investment.
• Poor Drainage and Neglected Infrastructure: Many Bulgarian towns – even the capital Sofia – struggle with aging or insufficient drainage systems. Sewers clog with debris; storm drains, where they exist, often can’t handle modern rainfall extremes. In Tsarevo’s case, blocked gullies and culverts may have worsened the inundation. On a national scale, riverbed maintenance has been chronically neglected. Sediment and trash build up in river channels, reducing their capacity to carry water. A striking example is the Iskar River near Sofia: irregular dredging over the years has meant the river now overflows more easily after heavy rain, periodically flooding nearby communities​. A government report in late 2022 identified 360 river sections across Bulgaria with reduced flow capacity due to sediment and vegetation – essentially, flood risks waiting to happen (​11). Yet, by mid-2023, only a handful of those problem spots had been addressed, and seven critical sections in Tsarevo municipality remained untouched when the disaster struck​. Such delays turned what could have been minor high-water events into major floods. “This wasn’t just a natural disaster – it was a failure to prepare,” Prime Minister Denkov lamented in Parliament, noting that known issues in river maintenance had not been resolved in time​.
• Environmental Degradation – Deforestation and Wetland Loss: Forest cover and wetlands act as natural sponges, slowing runoff and absorbing excess water. But in some regions of Bulgaria, these defenses have been eroded. In the Rhodope Mountains, extensive logging and deforestation have removed hillsides of trees that once helped stabilize soil and regulate water flow​. When heavy rain falls on denuded slopes, water (and mud) rushes downhill unimpeded, often with devastating speed. Likewise, the draining or construction over of wetlands has robbed low-lying areas of buffers that could cushion flood peaks. Coastal wetlands near Burgas and Varna have shrunk, while inland marshes along the Danube have been diked off. These changes might boost agriculture or real estate in the short term, but they leave communities more exposed when rivers rise.
• Recreation and Human Carelessness: Some floods catch people in unexpectedly dangerous situations. In recent years, camping and recreation in flood-prone areas have led to tragic consequences. Picturesque river valleys attract campers in summer, but those valleys can become deathtraps if a flash flood roars through. Officials note that “wild” campsites along riverbanks often involve clearing vegetation (which would otherwise slow floodwaters) and that campers sometimes leave behind trash that can clog waterways​. In one incident, a group camping near a river had to be rescued by helicopter when sudden rains upstream sent a wall of water their way. Such episodes prompted authorities to start restricting camping in known floodplains. The human factor extends to preparedness as well: public awareness about flood hazards has historically been low. Many residents underestimate risks (“It hasn’t flooded here in my lifetime, so it won’t happen now”), only to find themselves unprepared when an evacuation order comes or when floodwaters seep under their door.

Human folly has often compounded nature’s fury. Unchecked construction, neglected upkeep of rivers and drains, and environmental mismanagement have all worsened Bulgaria’s flooding woes. As climate change raises the baseline threat, these human factors become even more critical to address.

The Ripple Effects: Floods’ Devastating Impact on People and the Environment

Every major flood in Bulgaria leaves a profound scar, both on the landscape and in the lives of those affected. The impacts are multifaceted – humanitarian, economic, and environmental:

• Loss of Life and Personal Tragedy: Above all, floods pose a deadly threat. Fast-moving water can sweep away adults and children alike, vehicles can be flipped in an instant, and buildings can collapse. The human toll in recent disasters has been heartbreaking – from the 16 lives lost in the 2014 Varna floods​ to the families in Tsarevo now grieving four loved ones. Many victims are caught in the wrong place at the wrong time: a car on a collapsing bridge, a seaside campground hit by a flash flood. Beyond the fatalities, floods injure many and traumatize entire communities. Survivors often recount narrow escapes – climbing to rooftops or trees to avoid drowning – experiences that leave lasting psychological scars.
• Displacement and Community Disruption: In the immediate aftermath of floods, thousands can be left homeless or displaced. People evacuate with only what they can carry. For example, the 2014 floods forced over 1,200 evacuations across northeastern Bulgaria​, and in 2023 Tsarevo had to shelter not only locals but also around 4,000 stranded tourists who were visiting the seaside when disaster struck ​(12). Emergency shelters in schools or gyms become temporary homes. Some evacuees return within days; others find their houses uninhabitable and must relocate for months. Entire neighborhoods can be gutted, effectively erasing community networks. Particularly in rural areas, when people are uprooted, the social fabric – the ties to neighbors, the local school or church – is torn. After repeated disasters, some villagers have even abandoned high-risk areas altogether.
• Public Health and Sanitation Crises: Floodwaters are often filthy, a mix of river water, sewage, and debris. Outbreaks of waterborne diseases become a concern if clean water and sanitation aren’t quickly restored. In past floods, Bulgarian health authorities have warned residents not to drink tap water due to contamination​. Stagnant waters can breed mosquitoes, increasing the risk of vector-borne illnesses in the weeks that follow. There’s also the less visible mental health impact – anxiety, depression, and trauma, especially for children who may develop deep fears of rain or storms. After the 2023 floods, psychologists were dispatched to assist victims in Tsarevo struggling with the disaster’s emotional aftermath. Health officials note, however, that swift action by emergency services has prevented major epidemics in recent flood events​ (13). Restoring a clean water supply is a top priority; in Tsarevo, for instance, authorities had power and water infrastructure largely back online within days, though residents were advised to boil water for safety (​14).
• Economic Losses and Livelihoods Destroyed: The financial toll of flooding is staggering and growing. When farms are submerged, crops are ruined and livestock are drowned, hitting the agricultural sector hard. Bulgaria’s farmers have seen fertile topsoil eroded and fields turned to mud patches. In the 2022 Karlovo floods, for example, the damage to agriculture and rural infrastructure was immense, contributing to tens of millions in losses​. Meanwhile, the tourism industry – a pillar of the coastal economy – suffers when images of flooded resorts make headlines. Summer floods along the Black Sea have led to booking cancellations and costly repairs to hotels and tourist facilities. The transportation sector also incurs heavy costs: roads, bridges, and rail lines are frequently washed out. Each disaster demands tens of millions of leva for rebuilding. According to government estimates, the Tsarevo floods caused about 38 million leva (≈€19 million) in damage to infrastructure and property​, while the Varna/Dobrich 2014 event surpassed €311 million in losses​. Such hits strain state budgets and often require diversion of funds from other needs. For individual households and businesses, uninsured losses can be financially ruinous. It’s telling that Bulgaria’s insurers’ association had to urge companies to extend claim deadlines after the 2023 Black Sea floods, so that all victims could file for compensation despite the chaos (​15).
• Environmental Degradation: Floods not only harm human settlements – they also reshape the natural environment, often for the worse. Soil erosion is a major byproduct: raging waters strip away fertile soil, undercut riverbanks, and deposit silt in unwanted places. After floodwaters recede, fields may be covered in sand and gravel, or riverbeds clogged with new sediment that alters water courses​. Floods can also flush pollutants and debris into rivers and the Black Sea. In industrial or agricultural areas, overflow can sweep up chemicals, oil, manure, and garbage, contaminating ecosystems. Following the 2023 floods, Bulgaria’s Ecology Minister Julian Popov assessed pollution along the coast: he noted that while a huge volume of mud and debris did wash into the sea, causing a temporary brown plume in bay waters, the longer-term chemical pollution appeared limited (a silver lining) (​16). Still, marine biologists remain concerned. Each flood adds to the strain on the Black Sea’s fragile ecosystems – surge floods can trigger algal blooms or create dead zones by dumping unusual nutrients and waste​. On land, wildlife is disrupted; animals drown or lose habitat, and plant life can be uprooted. Environmental recovery can take years, and repeated floods give ecosystems little chance to bounce back.

Floods in Bulgaria have far-reaching ripple effects, impacting every aspect of life, from individual families to the national economy and natural heritage. The accumulating damage – physical and psychological – has galvanized calls for action to break this cycle of destruction.

Fighting Back: Relief, Recovery, and Mitigation Efforts

Confronted with this escalating crisis, Bulgarians are responding on multiple fronts. Recent floods have, in some ways, been a wake-up call spurring both immediate relief efforts and longer-term initiatives to mitigate future floods. The journey from disaster to recovery to prevention is challenging, but it’s underway:

Swift Emergency Response

In the face of each flood, Bulgaria’s disaster response teams have hustled to save lives. During the 2023 Black Sea floods, authorities were commended for their quick action. “The rain started during the night, and by morning, 11 fire brigade teams and two teams of divers were assisting in evacuations,” the Prime Minister recounted​ (17). The Bulgarian Army was on the ground from day one, using high-clearance vehicles to deliver food and water to cut-off areas​. Such rapid deployment of firefighters, police, military, and volunteers undoubtedly prevented greater loss of life. In hard-hit villages, neighbors formed human chains to rescue the elderly, and local fishermen used boats to ferry trapped residents to safety. This spirit of solidarity has been a hallmark of flood responses – from big cities to small hamlets, community volunteers often work shoulder to shoulder with official rescue units. Still, the severity of recent floods has tested the capacity of emergency services, leading to discussions about further strengthening Bulgaria’s disaster-response infrastructure and early warning systems.

Relief and Recovery Efforts

After the immediate danger passes, the focus shifts to relief – providing shelter, food, and medical care to victims – and then to the daunting task of recovery. The Bulgarian government has tapped its State Disaster and Accident Relief Fund for quick financial aid. Within days of the 2023 floods, BGN 30 million (≈€15m) was allocated for flood relief along the southern coast (​18). This money helped restore electricity and water services, repair broken bridges with temporary structures, and compensate some residents for property damage. Prime Minister Denkov assured the public that “the state will cover” the damages, emphasizing that funds were available to rebuild homes and infrastructure​ (19). International support mechanisms have been activated as well – Bulgaria received satellite data from the EU’s Copernicus program to map the flood extent, and the EU Civil Protection Mechanism stood ready to provide material assistance if requested​ (20). Humanitarian organizations, like the Bulgarian Red Cross, along with NGOs and volunteers, have collected donations, distributed blankets and clean water, and helped with cleanup. In the aftermath of the Tsarevo floods, crews and volunteers worked tirelessly to clear tons of debris and mud. “The clearing of debris continues, many places have already been restored, life is gradually returning to normal,” Tsarevo’s Mayor Lapchev reported a week after the disaster​ (21). Such recovery can take months or years, but each success – a school cleaned and reopened, a repaired road, a family rehoused – is a step toward normalcy.

Learning Lessons – Investigations and Accountability

Major disasters often prompt tough questions about what went wrong. In Bulgaria, prosecutors have launched investigations into whether human actions exacerbated the impact of floods, for instance, examining whether any officials failed to maintain infrastructure or if illegal construction contributed to the fatalities in Tsarevo (22). The aim is not only to assign responsibility but also to learn and prevent repeated mistakes. The government’s commissioning of an interagency report after the 2023 floods, looking at factors like deforestation and infrastructure upkeep, is an example of trying to turn a tragedy into a lesson (​23). There is a growing public demand for transparency in how flood prevention funds are used, given past critiques that allocated money was not always effectively spent.

Bolstering Defenses – Mitigation Strategies

Perhaps the most critical development is a stronger push for flood mitigation and prevention. After years of discussions, authorities and experts are laying out concrete measures to address both natural and human-induced causes of flooding. Key initiatives include:

• Stricter Zoning and Construction RegulationsThe government has acknowledged that building in floodplains must be curtailed. Zoning laws are being tightened to prohibit construction too close to rivers and in other high-risk zones​. For existing settlements, efforts are underway to create buffer zones and improve flood defenses. For example, after the 2014 Varna tragedy, local authorities imposed new rules to preserve coastal dunes and wetlands as natural flood barriers​. Today, any new large project near the coast or a river undergoes more rigorous environmental impact assessments focused on flood risk. These regulations aim to ensure that future development is climate-resilient, or at least not reckless.
• Riverbed Dredging and Maintenance: A national program has been launched to regularly clean and deepen river channels. The Ministry of Environment and Water identified priority sites where dredging equipment is being deployed to remove excess silt and vegetation. Major rivers like the Danube and Maritsa are central to this plan, but smaller tributaries are not being ignored​. The goal is to restore rivers to a condition where they can safely carry floodwaters without spilling over. Local municipalities are now mandated (and funded) to inspect and clear their riverbeds preemptively each year. Better maintenance is already proving effective in places where it’s been tried – officials noted that areas dredged in early 2023 fared better during the autumn floods than those left untouched.
• Upgrading Urban Drainage: In cities, investment in modern drainage infrastructure is ramping up. Sofia, for instance, has earmarked funds to construct new storm sewers and retention basins to capture runoff. In flood-prone urban districts, larger culverts and additional pumping stations are being installed. The government, with some EU funds, is also supporting “green infrastructure” – such as restoring park wetlands and permeable surfaces – to help cities soak up heavy rainfall. The lesson from floods is clear: drains need to handle 21st-century storms, not the milder rains of decades past​.
• Early Warning Systems: Better forecasting and alert systems are being developed to give people more lead time before floods strike. Bulgaria’s Meteorological Service, in cooperation with the EU, has upgraded its radar network and is integrating with the European Flood Awareness System for regional alerts. Text message warning systems have been tested in communities downstream of dams or major rivers. Early warnings can trigger road closures, evacuations, and the deployment of emergency crews in advance. During the 2023 floods, many residents credit timely mobile alerts and sirens for saving their lives, as they knew to seek higher ground. The push now is to refine these systems so that even remote villages get the word before waters arrive.
• Public Education and Drills: Recognizing that an informed public is a safer public, authorities and NGOs are running awareness campaigns about flood risks. From school programs teaching children what to do in a flash flood, to community meetings on emergency preparedness, the aim is to embed a culture of readiness​. Some towns have even organized flood drills, treating it like a fire drill but for inundation scenarios. Campaigns also encourage citizens to keep emergency kits (with food, water, and first aid) and to know evacuation routes. Such knowledge proved vital in 2024 when Beloslav’s residents, having been educated after previous floods, largely heeded warnings and avoided casualties by evacuating early.
• Environmental Rehabilitation: Bulgaria is also turning to nature-based solutions. Projects to replant forests in upland areas and to restore wetlands are getting underway, often with EU support. By reforesting hillsides that were illegally logged, for example, the government hopes to slow future runoff. Along parts of the Danube, pilot projects are reconnecting old river meanders and floodplains, allowing the river to safely spill into designated areas to relieve pressure on populated sections. On the Black Sea coast, efforts to protect and rebuild sand dunes (sometimes by restricting beach access in the offseason) are meant to reinforce the natural storm buffers​. These steps, proponents argue, will not only reduce flood risk but also enhance biodiversity and recreation in the long run.
• Sustainable Tourism and Land Use: In flood-sensitive regions like the seaside and mountains, there’s a push for more sustainable practices. This includes properly regulating campsites and holiday parks – for instance, banning camping in known flood zones and providing safer designated camping areas on higher ground​. Tourist facilities are being encouraged (or required) to have their own evacuation and drainage plans. Some beach resorts are redesigning landscaping to include rain gardens and elevated structures. The idea is that tourism, a vital industry, must adapt to co-exist with nature’s extremes rather than fall victim to them.

These measures represent a comprehensive approach, addressing immediate needs and future resilience. Importantly, local and national authorities are coordinating as never before. Disaster response plans are being updated jointly by municipalities and the central government​, ensuring everyone knows their role when floods loom. The private sector, too, is engaged – insurance companies, for example, are considering incentives for flood-proof home renovations and are streamlining claims for disaster losses.

Riding the Tide: Can Bulgaria Turn the Corner on Floods?

As Bulgaria implements these changes, cautious optimism is emerging. The recent floods, while tragic, have galvanized a level of action and awareness that experts say was long overdue. Climate change ensures that flooding will remain a threat, but prudent policies and informed communities can blunt its impacts. “Tackling the flood problem in Bulgaria is not just an engineering challenge or a policy issue; it is a societal imperative,” noted one environmental policy expert. Indeed, the country’s future development and security depend on adapting to this new reality of extreme weather.

What gives hope is the resilience and determination witnessed on the ground. Each time the waters have risen, Bulgarians have come together to save neighbors and rebuild towns. That spirit, combined with smarter planning, could make all the difference. As the waters recede from the latest inundations, there is recognition that “business as usual” won’t suffice. The investment in prevention and preparedness now may not be immediately visible, but it will be tested the next time dark clouds gather over the mountains or the sea surges in a storm.

For now, the scars of past floods serve as solemn reminders – water stains on the walls, empty lots where homes once stood, plaques commemorating lives lost. Yet alongside them are new levees, cleared riverbeds, and emergency sirens ready to sound – signs that lessons have been learned. Bulgaria’s flooding crisis is multifaceted and far from over, but with rising awareness and concerted action, the nation aims to keep its hopes afloat even as waters rise.

Sources:

• Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) – “Mayor of Tsarevo: Life is gradually going back to normal in the flood-affected areas” (Sep 8, 2023)​ – bnr.bg​ / bnr.bg
• The Sofia Globe – “Bulgaria’s PM: Flood damage on southern coast is more than 30M leva, funding available” (Sep 8, 2023) – ​sofiaglobe.com​ / sofiaglobe.com
• Reuters – “Two killed in floods in Bulgaria’s Black Sea region” (Sep 5, 2023) – ​reuters.com / ​reuters.com
• RFE/RL – “Heavy Rains, Flooding Leave Four Dead In Bulgaria” (updated Sep 6, 2023)​ – rferl.org​ / rferl.org
• Novinite – “Heavy Rains Trigger Partial State of Emergency in Beloslav Municipality” (Sep 11, 2024)​ – novinite.com​ / novinite.com
• FloodList – “Bulgaria – Massive Efforts to Return to Normal in Tsarevo After Destructive Floods” (Sep 7, 2023)​ – en.wikipedia.org / ​en.wikipedia.org
• Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA) – “Wrap-up: Tsarevo Floods Leave behind Four Casualties and Serious Damage to Infrastructure” (Sep 6, 2023) – ​bta.bg / ​bta.bg
• BlueLink – “Bulgaria among the ten most affected by extreme weather conditions in 2022” (Feb 25, 2025) – ​bluelink.net​ / bluelink.net
• GDACS/ECHO – Situation Report on Bulgaria Floods (Apr 29, 2025) – ​gdacs.org / ​gdacs.org
• Wikipedia – “Floods in Bulgaria” (last updated Apr 21, 2025)​ – en.wikipedia.org / ​en.wikipedia.org