site.btaHurricane-Force Winds Hit Vratsa, Mayor Says

Hurricane-force winds caused serious damage in Vratsa, Northwestern Bulgaria, Mayor Kalin Kamenov said on Facebook in the early hours of Saturday.

Kamenov said gusts overnight topped 120 km/h, bringing down dozens of utility poles and cables, as well as bus stops and trees, and warned residents to stay indoors while municipal teams worked to secure fallen power lines that left parts of the town without electricity.

Bus stops and trees were knocked down. Branches kept falling. Sheets of metal, glass and roof tiles were flying through the air. There was a risk of falling objects, he warned.

“I urge all residents to stay at home until the situation calms down. Conditions outside are extremely dangerous. Teams from civil protection, Municipal Public Works and Communal Services, the police, the Municipal Inspectorate and Vratsa Municipality staff are on the ground. Work is under way to remove and secure torn cables and power lines. This is also why there is no electricity on several streets in the town. I ask for your understanding, patience and responsibility!” Kamenov said.

Later on Saturday, Chief Commissioner of the General Directorate for Fire Safety and Civil Protection Alexander Dzhartov said his directorate has received four reports of fallen trees and collapsed structural elements in the town of Vratsa.

Also later on Saturday, Vratsa Municipal Administration said the situation in the town had returned to normal. The wind has eased somewhat, but strong gusts persist. The village of Beli Izvor remains without electricity, while Bistrets and Chiren are partially without power, the administration told BTA. Fallen electricity poles, trees, and broken branches have been reported, along with overturned waste containers, a damaged public transport stop, and parts of the town’s holiday decorations.

Vratsa Municipality urged residents not to go outside unless absolutely necessary, due to the ongoing risk of falling debris.

Overnight, wind gusts exceeded 120 km/h. Vratsa Crisis Headquarters convened in full and is coordinating the response on the ground. Damage assessments and repairs are being carried out in order of priority.