Disaster Will Have Adverse Effects on Bulgarian Economy – Deputy PM

The floods that hit northeastern Bulgaria will have negative impact on the tourism, the crops and the infrastructure, according to Deputy Prime Minister Daniela Bobeva.

"The situation in Varna is normalizing. The clearing out goes as planned, and there are no further complications due to the weather. Dobrich and Veliko Tarnovo are still in the critical phase, but the organization there is good. All due measures have been taken and the evacuation of people is ongoing. We expect no more victims,” Bobeva told Darik news.

According to her, there is still no damage assessment as citizens first need to state their claims.

"The disaster will have negative effects on the economy. Besides the direct damages that the citizens have suffered, the infrastructure needs to be recovered. The crops have been damaged, especially in the Dobrich region, which is one of our most important agricultural regions, and it will pose a serious problem for the economy. However, it is still early to say whether there will be an increase in food prices. I expect problems in the tourism business, too, some of the beaches have been hit by the floods. Also tourists may get frightened,” Deputy Prime Minister Bobeva said.

"The main problem during crises is the prevention which is neglected. Local authorities complain that their resources are limited. But I think that all of them could manage better, "she added.