Shumen, Bulgaria – Due to extreme winter conditions, the mayor of Shumen has declared Thursday and Friday, February 20 and 21, 2025, as non-school days for all educational institutions in the municipality, including the Center for Personal Development Support, UDK “Anastas Stoyanov.”
The decision, communicated to the Department of Education and Training in Shumen, also stipulates that online learning will not take place on these days.
The region has been battling heavy snowfall, with snow cover reaching an average of 42 centimeters and temperatures forecasted to plummet to minus 15 degrees Celsius. These conditions have rendered roadways hazardous, complicating both vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Despite the relentless efforts of cleaning crews from “Avtomagistrali – Cherno more,” who have been working throughout the night and continuing operations across the city and surrounding villages, progress has been hampered by strong gusts of wind and extreme weather conditions.
Snow-Clearing Efforts Face Challenges
An early morning inspection by the Operational Group found that several key areas remain affected.
Streets above the Tombul Mosque, locations in the Boyan Balgaranov and Everest neighborhoods, as well as Rakovska Street leading to Kyoshkavete, were reported as still not fully cleared.
Additionally, sidewalks near certain schools and other public locations remain obstructed due to delays in the clearing process.
In rural areas, the settlements of Ovcharovo and Kladenets have been particularly impacted, with secondary streets still covered in accumulated snow. Efforts to address the situation are ongoing, but adverse weather conditions continue to slow the response.
Equipment and Power Challenges
The Shumen municipality has reported that out of four snow-clearing machines assigned to one of its municipal enterprises, two are currently out of order and undergoing urgent repairs.
Authorities have assured residents that necessary spare parts and financial resources are being allocated to restore full operational capacity.
The city’s cleaning operations have been continuous for the past three days, with priority given to the restoration of malfunctioning equipment.
Despite the severe conditions, no major power outages have been recorded in the municipality, except in the Boyan Balgaranov district, where an emergency power restoration was carried out last night.
Safety Advisory for Residents
As the extreme weather persists, the municipality has urged residents to exercise caution, particularly when navigating roads.
Drivers are advised to remain vigilant due to the complex road conditions and to report any urgent issues to Shumen Municipality’s duty phone line or emergency services.
The situation remains dynamic, with authorities closely monitoring weather developments and continuing efforts to mitigate disruptions caused by the heavy snowfall.
Residents are encouraged to stay updated through official municipal channels and to take necessary precautions during this period of extreme cold and challenging conditions.
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