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Bulgaria

Bulgaria: Floods OCHA Situation Report No. 3

Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2005/0130

OCHA Situation Report No. 3
Bulgaria - Floods

Situation

1. After new heavy rainfalls last weekend (16-20l/m2), the state of emergency remains in force for 15 municipalities. In five regions, among them the capital region of Sofia, 80 to 100% of all arable land has been destroyed. Many dams are overflowing. In some areas assessment of the damage is not yet possible due to flooded roads and collapsed bridges.

2. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said that its biggest concern at the moment is a possible spread of diseases.

3. The floods have so far affected more than 25% of the Bulgarian population. More than 20 people have died and the damage is estimated at US$ 633 million.

4. Unfavourable weather conditions are expected to continue in some parts of the country (rainfalls with 30-50 /m2).

National response

5. The Bulgarian Army General Staff plans an operation to cope with the consequences of the floods from 22 August to 30 October. It will involve more than 900 people and 150 vehicles.

Priority Relief Needs (as communicated by the European Commission Civil Protection Co-operation Mechanism)

Description Required
Motor tirfors 64 sets
Alpine ropes 3000 meters
Stretchers - vacuum 16 pcs.
Ladders - up to 12 m long 36 pcs.
Prefabricated houses 250 sets
Hand/motor machines for sprinkling disinfecting substances 60 pcs.
Elements for building bridges for 500 bridges
Chemical toilets 50 pcs.
Disinfecting substances
- for flooded houses and furnishing
- for flooded arable areas

7 000 liters
5 000 liters
Repellents against mosquitoes, ticks and fleas 2 000 liters


International Relief Assistance

6. The following contributions have been reported to OCHA thus far:

United Nations

OCHA has released an emergency grant of US$ 30,000 channelled through the UN Resident Coordinator's Office. A letter to the Humanitarian Liaison Working Group (HLWG) asking its members to favourably respond to calls for assistance was issued by the Director of OCHA Geneva on 15 August 2005.

UNDP is releasing an emergency cash grant.

World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO EURO) conducted a rapid health assessment on 21st and 22nd of July to identify public health needs and environmental status of the affected population.

WHO is ready to assist with a similar assessment of the health consequences of the latest flooding and technical expertise for rehabilitation of the water supply/waste management/ environment and health issues.

European Commission

An updated request for assistance was filed to the European Union member states' authorities on 19 August 2005.

Governments

Numerous governments have made contributions. These can be viewed in detail in the NATO Sitrep No. 12 issued 18 Aug 2005 (http://www.nato.int/eadrcc/2005/bulgaria/050818a.pdf)

7. OCHA is monitoring the situation and will revert with further information as it becomes available.

8. This Situation Report and information on ongoing emergencies is also available on the OCHA Internet Website at http://www.reliefweb.int.

MAP - Bulgaria: Floods - Situation map

Tel. +41-22-917 1234
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers:

Ms. Charlotta Benedek
Direct Tel. +41-22-917 1205
E-mail: benedek@un.org

Press contact:

(GVA) Ms. Elizabeth Byrs, Direct Tel. +41-22-917 2653
(N.Y.) Ms. Stephanie Bunker, Direct Tel. +1-917-892 1669

Disclaimer

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.