site.btaResidents of Nikolovo Allowed to Return Home, Evacuation Readiness Measure in Force

The evacuation of part of the village of Nikolovo near Ruse, which was ordered on October 9 due to a problem with the dam wall located near the settlement, has been cancelled and replaced with a 72-hour heightened evacuation readiness measure. People can return to their homes, said Ruse Mayor Pencho Milkov.

He stated that the residents of Nikolovo will have to follow instructions in case of flood danger, which they will receive through various communication channels. Milkov also announced that for the residents of the town of Marten, the measure of increased readiness for evacuation remains in place for 72 hours. For residents of the village of Sandrovo, the increased readiness for evacuation’ measure is being lifted.

The Mayor of Ruse said that the state of emergency declared two days ago will remain in place for 72 hours, as there is still no sign of the rising waters in the dam stopping. 

"The water from the dam will continue to be released. The condition of the wall is being monitored constantly. Surveyors will take measurements, and depth samples will be taken by specialists from the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. For the moment, the level in the piezometers is reassuring, showing progressive drying in the dam wall. There is no increase in moisture," Milkov said.

He explained that measures would be taken to limit moisture penetration through cracks in the wall. Milkov stated that activities are also being undertaken for the emergency design of a future major repair of the dam wall, with the support of state institutions being sought. 

The head of the fire service in Ruse, Commissioner Svetoslav Voychev, said that over the last 36 hours, between 180,000 and 190,000 cubic metres of water had been drained from the dam through the facility's outlet and the hydro-pump unit. According to him, this is about 20% of the dam's water volume. He explained that the drainage of water with the hydro pump unit has been stopped for the time being. It is on standby to be turned on if necessary. 

Simislav Mihaylov, a hydroengineer and operator of the municipal dams in Ruse, said that there is currently no new landslide from the dam wall. "There is no danger of further damage. We are waiting for the geodetic surveys to be completed, the results of which will be ready next week," Mihaylov said.