Half of Bulgaria in an Icy Grip
Severe winter has half of Bulgaria in an icy grip.
Heavy snow in combination with stormy wind and frost has virtually paralyzed the country.
In many places the traffic has been restricted.
High wind stopped the trolleybuses in the Black Sea city of Varna and several flights were cancelled in the local airport. Ships were blocked in the Varna port.
The situation was most critical in the region of Silistra, where several municipalities declared early Christmas vacation for schoolchildren.
A heavy storm swept the regions of Burgas, Yambol and Sliven where torrential rain turned into snow.
Four school buses were blocked by snowdrifts near Targovishte but the children were accommodated in the village of Nadarevo till the drifts were cleared.
Strong wind with a velocity of over 72 km/h caused power cuts in many settlements across the country.
The harsh weather conditions compelled many mayors to declare emergency situation.
Source: http://paper.standartnews.com
(20.12.2012)