Two villages in Bulgaria’s Svishtov Municipality—Hadzhidimitrovo and Gorna Studena—have been placed under a state of emergency due to a deepening water crisis, local authorities announced this week.
The decision follows ongoing disruptions in water supply, drastically reduced flow rates from local sources, and compounding pressure from persistent summer heat.
The emergency declaration, which remains in effect for an indefinite period, is the result of a dire combination of environmental and infrastructural challenges.
Residents of both villages have endured recurring shortages for weeks, with the situation worsening in recent days as daytime temperatures soared above seasonal norms.
In response to an urgent appeal from Svishtov’s mayor, the Bulgarian Council of Ministers has taken swift action. The government authorized immediate logistical support to address the pressing need for potable water in the affected areas.
The State Agency “State Reserve and Wartime Supplies” has been mobilized to distribute a total of 39,888 liters of bottled drinking water to residents.
According to the agency, the water is being delivered in both 1.5-liter bottles for individual use and larger 10-liter containers for households and communal needs.
“The priority is ensuring residents have uninterrupted access to safe drinking water,” a spokesperson from the agency said. “We are coordinating closely with local authorities to ensure rapid and equitable distribution.”
To manage the operation efficiently, authorities have set up a dedicated organizational structure involving emergency teams, municipal staff, and volunteers.
These teams are working on-site to oversee logistics, monitor delivery points, and support vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with mobility issues.
Local officials have welcomed the national government’s swift response, emphasizing that the water crisis had become untenable without outside intervention. “This is a vital step in protecting public health,” said a representative from the Svishtov municipal office.
The emergency measures will remain in place until normal water supply levels are restored. In the meantime, the government has urged residents to use the bottled water responsibly and continue reporting any additional needs to local emergency teams.
While no timeline has been provided for the resolution of the crisis, the incident highlights the increasing vulnerability of rural communities in Bulgaria to climate-related challenges, particularly during peak summer months.