18.02.2026 14:39
Due to the recent rains and the release of water from dams in Bulgaria, the flow of the Meriç and Tunca rivers has increased. The State Water Works issued an 'orange alert' warning, while the area of Sarayiçi, where the historic Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling takes place, was submerged, and access to the region was prohibited.
With the recent rains and the release of water from dams in Bulgaria, the flow of the Meriç and Tunca rivers has increased; the State Hydraulic Works (DSI) issued an 'orange alert' warning. The area of Sarayiçi, where the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling takes place, was also flooded, and access to the region was prohibited.
DSI ISSUED AN ORANGE ALERT WARNING FOR THE RIVERS
With the recent rains, melting snow, and the release of water from dams in Bulgaria, the water level in the rivers in Edirne increased for the second time after February 7. The flow of the Meriç River reached 1091 cubic meters per second around 11:00 AM, while the flow of the Tunca River rose to 154 cubic meters per second. DSI issued an 'orange alert' warning for both rivers. The flow of the Arda River in the Ivaylovgrad section of Bulgaria also rose to the orange level of 507 cubic meters per second.
TUNCA RIVER OVERFLOWED
Following the overflow of the Tunca River, the area of Sarayiçi, where the historic Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling is held, was covered with water. Municipal teams closed the bridges that provided access to Sarayiçi, prohibiting entry to the region. DSI teams also began work with construction machinery in the Sarayiçi section of the river.