site.btaSmolyan, Kardzhali Regional Governors Report High River, Reservoir Levels Amid Heavy Rains

The rivers in Smolyan Region have swollen due to heavy rainfall and melting snow, Smolyan Regional Governor Zahari Sirakov told BTA on Thursday.

He noted that the situation is normal and under control, adding that there are no critical situations or reports of rivers overflowing their banks, including the Cherna River in Smolyan. "No floods or problem areas have been reported. Only the road in the Malka Arda area is closed as a precaution due to an old landslide that has become active," Sirakov said.

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology issued a Code Red warning for expected heavy rainfall in the regions of Smolyan and Kardzhali on Thursday. Sirakov said that the responsible institutions are constantly monitoring the situation and are ready to react promptly. 

Kardzhali Regional Governor Nikola Chanev told BTA that smaller reservoirs in the region are being monitored and that at this point there is no cause for concern. Ardino Mayor Izet Shaban declared a partial state of emergency, as the reinforced concrete bridge structure was flooded by the rising Arda River. The bridge has become impassable, leaving several settlements cut off, the municipal administration said. 

Chanev also said the two large reservoirs in the region, Studen Kladenets and Kardzhali, are 95% and 96% full, respectively, but this is not a cause for concern. The National Electricity Company, owner of the two reservoirs, maintains constant contact with the regional administration and promptly reports any actions it takes, the regional governor said.