Severe rainfall triggers flooding in Krumovgrad, Bulgaria

Severe rainfall triggers flooding in Krumovgrad, Bulgaria
Krumovitsa River, where the water level has risen to flood levels following heavy rainfall in Krumovgrad, Bulgaria on January 7, 2026.
Reuters

A state of emergency in 26 settlements in Bulgaria has been declared after heavy rainfall caused flooding in Krumovgrad in southern Kardzhali province, pushing the Krumovitsa River close to overflowing.

Mayor Sebihan Mehmed told local media that the town received 108 litres of rain per square metre overnight on Wednesday. The past 24 hours of intense downpours also triggered multiple landslides across the wider area.

Flooding hit the village of Grivka after the river overflowed, washing away a bridge and destroying a 13‑metre stretch of road. Rising water levels across regional rivers have also submerged agricultural land.

Mehmed warned that pumping stations in the town centre were flooded, raising concerns that drinking water could become unsafe from Thursday.

Crisis teams remain on standby, village heads have been alerted, and schools will be closed for one day as heavy rain is expected to continue.

Tags