Devastating Hailstorm Strikes Sofia, Floods Streets and Damages Properties

Sofia, Bulgaria – May 22, 2024

A severe storm accompanied by hail and torrential rain wreaked havoc across several districts in Sofia on Monday, causing significant damage and widespread disruption. 

The National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology reported that hailstones as large as hazelnuts battered the affected areas, with the largest recorded at 8 mm in diameter in the “Mladost” district. 

The intense rainfall, measuring approximately 41 liters per square meter, overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, leading to extensive flooding.

The storm struck several districts, including “Druzhba” 1 and 2, “Mladost” 3, and “Slatina,” as well as numerous villages surrounding the capital. Residents and business owners faced a deluge that turned streets into rivers and inundated buildings. 

Emergency services were quickly mobilized to address the immediate aftermath of the storm, with the capital municipality dispatching teams to assist in the hardest-hit areas.

Municipal authorities responded to four reports of flooding in commercial establishments and an incident involving the closure of an underpass at “Mr. Bricolage” on “Tsarigradsko Shose” Blvd. 

The rapid accumulation of water rendered the underpass impassable, highlighting the challenges faced by the city’s infrastructure during such extreme weather events.

Eyewitnesses described the storm as one of the most severe in recent memory. “The hailstones were relentless,” said Ivan Petrov, a resident of “Mladost” 3. 

“They pounded on the roofs and windows, and within minutes, the streets were flooded. It was chaos.” In response to the flooding, municipal teams worked tirelessly to clear blocked drains and remove debris.

The efforts were concentrated on the most affected districts to ensure that essential services could resume as quickly as possible. Mayor Yordanka Fandakova commended the swift action of the emergency teams and reassured residents that the municipality was doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of the storm.

“We are fully mobilized to address the fallout from this severe weather event,” Mayor Fandakova said. “Our teams are on the ground, working to clear the water and debris and restore normalcy to the affected areas. We are also assessing the damage and will provide support to those affected.”

The storm has prompted a broader discussion about the city’s preparedness for extreme weather conditions. With climate change leading to more frequent and intense storms, there are calls for significant upgrades to Sofia’s drainage and flood management systems. 

Experts suggest that investment in infrastructure improvements and more robust emergency response plans are essential to safeguard the city against future storms.

Meanwhile, residents and business owners are left to assess the damage and begin the cleanup process. Many expressed frustration at the recurring flooding issues and called for more proactive measures to prevent such incidents.

“The city needs to invest in better infrastructure,” said Maria Ivanova, who owns a small shop in “Druzhba” 2. “We can’t keep going through this every time there’s a storm. It’s devastating for businesses and residents alike.”

As Sofia grapples with the aftermath of this latest storm, the focus remains on recovery and preparation for future weather events. 

The municipality has urged residents to report any flooding or damage and assured them that all available resources are being deployed to aid in the recovery efforts.

Authorities Urge Caution and Vigilance

As the city continues to address the immediate impacts of the storm, authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and vigilant. 

Motorists are advised to avoid flooded areas and follow detours, while pedestrians are warned to stay clear of standing water and damaged infrastructure.

The capital municipality’s swift response and the community’s resilience are being tested once again, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.