The repeated floods on the Black Sea coast are the result of uncontrolled development, destroyed natural environment and institutional inaction, reads a declaration by the Chamber of Architects in Bulgaria.

According to the professional organization, excessive and often illegal construction along the coast is a direct cause of the catastrophic consequences. They point out that the destruction of dunes, green areas and natural drainage systems turns every storm into a disaster.

“We cannot ignore the fact that all these construction projects have received positive opinions from the Ministry of Environment and Water, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food and the Executive Forests Agency, even when they are located in riverbeds and high-risk areas. Here we must emphasize the enormous responsibility of all institutions regarding these regulations, permits and subsequent control over them,” the chamber says.

Today's floods are a warning. If we do not restore reason, responsibility and professional ethics in planning, nature will continue to hold us accountable for our silence, the organization warns.

Intense rains and floods in early October affected a number of areas in the country and claimed four lives in the holiday village of Elenite, BTA recalls.

Editor: Diana Tsankova

Publication in English: Al. Markov

Photo: BTA