Recent torrential rains in Bulgaria caused rivers and streams to overflow, flooding several villages in the province of Plovdiv, including Bogdan, Rozino, Karavelovo, Stoletovo, Pesnopoi, and Trilistnik.
The flooding was reportedly 1.5 to 2 meters (5-7 feet) deep in some areas. Local media reported the entire village of Bogdan was under water at one point, after an embankment along the Stryama River failed.
At least 200 homes across the province have been damaged or destroyed. Damage to infrastructure left the area without electricity and drinking water. Bridges and roads were also destroyed, leaving some villages isolated. Military helicopters were used to deliver relief supplies and carry out the rescue of around six people. A further 40 or more people were rescued by boat. Hundreds of people have been moved from their homes to safer locations.
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Bulgaria prepared an immediate response. ADRA staff have been cleaning the homes of those affected and providing them with essential items, food, and support.
“The tragedies are perhaps a test of our empathy — the empathy we say we have,” the ADRA Press Office wrote, with several social-media posts highlighting the urgency to act.
ADRA Bulgaria is currently on a mission to clean and dry houses before winter. “Modestly, house by house, we are changing one life at a time,” an ADRA volunteer said.
Seventy professional dehumidifiers will now be available for houses affected by the flood, ADRA reported.
ADRA Serbia also got involved. “We thank them for their support, for sharing their experience and for their kindness,” the ADRA Bulgaria Press Office wrote in a release.
About ADRA Bulgaria
The ADRA Bulgaria Foundation is a non-governmental organization established in 1992 with the aim of providing individual and community development and disaster relief. ADRA Bulgaria is based in the city of Sofia and is active throughout the country.
The ADRA Bulgaria Foundation also participates in the Bulgarian Platform for International Development (BPID), which is a network structure of non-governmental organizations active in the field of international development cooperation.
Since 2010, the BPID has been a member of CONCORD, a European Confederation of NGOs for Relief and Development, with 18 international networks and 25 national associations in the European Union member states, representing more than 1,600 European NGOs in the European institutions.
The ADRA Foundation is part of ADRA International, a worldwide international network that delivers aid and development to people in more than 130 countries, regardless of their ethnicity, political leaning, or religious affiliation. Through partnership with governments, town halls, and organizations, ADRA has been improving life quality standards for millions.
The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-European Division news site.
