[size=85:3o0zg1wf]Sofia echo 15 June 2010

Flash floods create lakes in central Sofia

ivil Protection teams have responded to 18 signals over flood waters that occurred following storms on June 15.

Ground floors and basements were flooded in the town of Elin Pelin and in the capital but no injuries were reported.

Many roads and pavements in Sofia, particularly on low ground, resembled lakes after storms broke shortly at about 6pm on June 15.

The flash flooding created truly farcical scenes in central Sofia. People trying to cross Vassil Levski Boulevard were effectively stranded on "
islands"
as waters rose to knee-level. Some people took off their shoes and socks, rolled up their trousers and braved the deluge. Those who chose to remain on pavements faced a torrent of water from passing cars and buses.

Authorities said that the floods were quickly brought under control without major incident.

Intermittent storms are forecast for Sofia and the interior of Bulgaria over the next few days. The Black Sea, on the other hand, will remain mostly dry.