Peshtera search continues for man swept away by Stara Reka flood

A severe storm and intense rainfall in the Batakska Ridge area caused the Stara Reka to overflow, leading to significant flooding in the Lukovitsa neighborhood of Peshtera and parts of Batak. The sudden surge of water resulted in the disappearance of a 58-year-old man, who reportedly managed to save his wife and child before being swept away by the current.

Search and rescue operations involving police, firefighters, tracking dogs, and drones equipped with thermal cameras are ongoing. While the water levels have since receded and the situation in Peshtera is stabilizing, emergency teams continue to pump water from flooded homes and basements. Eight people, including children, were evacuated from the affected areas.

The storm also caused extensive damage to infrastructure. The road connecting Peshtera and Batak remains closed due to washed-out asphalt, damaged guardrails, and debris such as fallen trees and rocks. Authorities have advised motorists to use detours through Varvara, Kostnadovo, and Rakitovo. Police have clarified that the flooding was caused by extreme precipitation and not by a dam release.