Kazanlak, Bulgaria — This afternoon, Kazanlak was hit by a severe weather event as torrential rainfall led to widespread flooding in the city’s “Iztok” district.
The downpour, which began at approximately 2:40 p.m., quickly escalated into a deluge, causing significant disruption and damage before subsiding later in the day.
Residents of the “Iztok” quarter were caught off guard as the intensity of the rain turned streets into rivers within a short span of time. Social media platforms were soon flooded with images and videos showing the extent of the damage.
Streets were submerged under water, and vehicles were seen partially submerged or severely damaged, highlighting the sudden and intense nature of the rainfall.
One of the most dramatic incidents involved a tree that was uprooted by the force of the storm, falling onto three parked cars.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of natural forces and the vulnerability of urban infrastructure to such events.
Local authorities were quick to respond, with emergency services deployed to the worst-affected areas. However, the volume of rainwater overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to significant delays in mitigating the effects of the flood.
Portions of major boulevards in Kazanlak were particularly hard hit, with water levels rising rapidly and causing multiple car accidents. The flooding not only made driving conditions hazardous but also led to several vehicles becoming stranded or damaged.
“I have never seen anything like this in Kazanlak,” said local resident Ivan Petrov, whose car was one of the many affected by the flooding. “The water rose so quickly, and before I knew it, my car was half submerged. It was terrifying.”
The heavy rain also caused several trees to collapse across the district, further complicating the situation. In addition to the tree that fell onto parked cars, other trees toppled over, blocking roads and causing additional damage to property.
Emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear the debris and ensure that roads were passable, but the extent of the damage meant that some areas remained inaccessible for several hours.
Municipal authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary travel while cleanup operations are underway.
They have also announced that an assessment of the damage will be conducted to determine the full extent of the destruction and to identify areas in need of immediate repair.
Mayor Dimitar Dimitrov addressed the situation in a press briefing late in the afternoon. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by today’s severe weather. We are doing everything in our power to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. I urge everyone to stay safe and follow the instructions of emergency services.”
The incident has reignited discussions about the city’s infrastructure and its preparedness for such extreme weather events. Many residents are calling for improved drainage systems and better urban planning to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As the city begins to recover from this unexpected natural disaster, the resilience of Kazanlak’s community is already shining through.
Neighbors are coming together to support each other, and local businesses are offering assistance to those in need. While the damage is extensive, the spirit of Kazanlak remains unbroken, and the city is determined to rebuild and move forward.
For now, the focus remains on cleanup and recovery, with officials and residents alike hoping for clearer skies and a swift return to normalcy.