Death Toll in Varna Climbs to 10, More Victims Feared

Ten people, including a child, are confirmed dead in Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Varna, the head of the regional police Nikolai Kalchev told bTV national channel.

As previously reported, on Thursday afternoon the city was hit by severe rains and thunderstorms, which caused floods, death and damages. The district of Asparuhovo was hit by a flash flood from the ridge above the area. 

According to witnesses, a two-meter wave of water and mud suddenly descended from the ravine and flooded the low lying parts of Asparuhovo. Nova TV national channel reports that cars, camping trailers and home furniture were freely floating in the streets.

Entire sections of Asparuhovo are swamped in mud and water and cannot be reached by rescue teams, who fear the death toll may rise. Electricity in the area has been cut off due to risk of power failure. 

Traffic, public transport and mobile phones in the entire city are disrupted. 

Authorities advise the residents in the lower parts of Varna to climb to higher ground or to the upper storey of their homes, as meteorologists expect more heavy rains and severe thunderstorms throughout the night.