Two structures under the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry (MEII) have been engaged over the past 48 hours in activities to secure the Kalenik Reservoir in the Municipality of Ugarchin and the Sefercher Reservoir in the Municipality of Gabrovo. These are the State Enterprise for the Management and Operation of Dams (SEMOD) and the State Agency for Metrological and Technical Surveillance (SAMTS).
Both institutions have been actively involved in monitoring and controlling the water levels of the two reservoirs and have provided full support to the ministers from the Council of Ministers who have been working jointly to address the consequences of the flooding in Northern Bulgaria.
“I highly appreciate the efforts of our colleagues and our excellent coordination with the Ministers of Energy and Regional Development, as well as with the other members of the Cabinet under the leadership of the Prime Minister,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev in connection with the involvement of MEII structures in supporting the municipalities affected by the floods in Northern Bulgaria.
He emphasised that the leadership of SAMTS had been reporting every few hours on the condition of all reservoirs across the country. “The teams of SEMOD were on site, inspecting the problematic reservoirs owned by the enterprise,” the Minister added, noting that a series of risk management and water-level control measures had been implemented at both the Sefercher and Kalenik reservoirs.
Drainage works, reinforcement activities and measures to secure the facilities have been carried out.
The teams remained on site both during the evening and in the morning to monitor the condition of the facilities, including throughout today, 24 May.
Experts report that water levels at both reservoirs, including the volume of overflow water, are gradually being reduced to normal operating levels. Specialists are categorical that there is no danger to the population or to critical infrastructure.
Regarding the Kalenik Reservoir, experts explained that a serious issue arose during the construction of the motorway, resulting in the formation of a so-called “second small reservoir” below the actual reservoir due to problems with drainage pipes and the dewatering of the construction site.
Teams from SEMOD and Motorways EAD cleared the river channel at the location of the embankment that had been constructed, in order to ensure the unobstructed passage of high water flows downstream of the dam wall and to prevent water accumulation and saturation of the downstream slope.
Minister Poulev expressed his satisfaction with the coordination between the MEII structures and his fellow Cabinet members. “This was a serious challenge, which we overcame through a high level of cooperation. Our objective is to provide full and timely support to the people in the affected municipalities,” said Poulev. He also contacted the mayors of the affected municipalities to assure them that the state and the structures of the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry remain available around the clock to provide assistance to local communities.
