Dramatic video footage has captured the terrifying moment when multiple vehicles were swept away by raging floodwaters in Bulgaria, as the country battles some of the worst flooding in recent memory.
The shocking scenes unfolded in the town of Biser, where normally tranquil streets transformed into violent rivers within hours. Eyewitness videos show cars being tossed about like toys in the brown, churning waters as emergency services struggled to reach stranded residents.
Emergency Response Mobilised
Bulgarian authorities have declared a state of emergency in several regions after torrential rains caused rivers to burst their banks. Rescue teams worked through the night to evacuate people from their homes, with helicopters deployed to reach areas inaccessible by road.
"This is an unprecedented situation for our region," one local official reported. "The water came so quickly that many people had only minutes to escape to higher ground."
Regional Weather Crisis
The devastating floods in Bulgaria form part of a larger extreme weather pattern affecting Eastern Europe. Neighbouring countries have also issued severe weather warnings, with meteorologists attributing the intense rainfall to unusual atmospheric conditions.
Local residents have described scenes of chaos as the waters rose:
- Multiple vehicles completely submerged within minutes
- Roads and bridges washed away by the force of water
- Power outages affecting thousands of households
- Emergency shelters established in schools and community centres
Recovery Efforts Underway
As the floodwaters begin to recede, the full extent of the damage is becoming apparent. Clean-up operations have commenced, though authorities warn that many areas remain dangerous due to structural damage and contaminated water.
The Bulgarian government has pledged immediate financial assistance for affected families and businesses, while the European Union has offered support through its Civil Protection Mechanism.
Weather experts warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events across the continent, calling for improved flood defence systems and emergency response planning.
