25.02.2026 17:03
Recently, heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and the release of water from dams in Bulgaria have caused the flow rates of the Meriç and Tunca rivers to rise rapidly in Edirne, creating a flood risk throughout the city. Rural roads have been submerged, and agricultural lands in some areas have been damaged, while historical sites have been affected by the flooding. A Bulgarian truck driver, Asen Dzhuvalekov, who was stranded on roads closed due to the flood, was rescued by the fire department after a three-day wait.
The Bulgarian truck driver Asen Dzhuvalekov (50), who was stranded on the roads closed due to flooding in Edirne, was rescued by firefighters after a 3-day wait. As river flows increased, some rural roads were submerged, and the driver's location was determined with drone support.
HE DIDN'T NOTICE IN THE DARK, THE VEHICLE DOVE INTO THE WATER
Dzhuvalekov, who set out to deliver a load to Edirne, got stuck on a submerged road due to flooding while heading towards the village of Avarız, which is connected to the center. The driver stated that he did not notice the water in the dark, saying that the vehicle suddenly stopped and then he encountered a strong water flow.
Unable to leave his location due to the water surrounding the truck, the driver had to wait in his vehicle for 3 days.
REQUESTED HELP WHEN FOOD RAN OUT
After running out of supplies, Dzhuvalekov reached out to a friend in Çorlu, and his situation was reported to the authorities. The Edirne Municipality fire teams, who acted upon the notification, scanned the area with a drone to determine the driver's location.
The teams that reached the truck stranded in the water safely evacuated Dzhuvalekov. The visibly exhausted driver thanked the teams.
FLOOD WARNING DROPPED TO ORANGE, HISTORICAL BRIDGES REOPENED
Meanwhile, due to recent rains, snowmelt, and the release of water from dams in Bulgaria, the water levels in the Meriç River and Tunca River, which had risen, began to decrease. The "red alert" level was lowered to "orange," and the historical bridges that were closed for precautionary measures were reopened to traffic.
The Edirne Governorship announced that the historical bridges over the Tunca and Meriç, which were closed to traffic for precautionary measures on February 22, were reopened to vehicle and pedestrian traffic in a controlled manner as of February 24, 2026, at 23:00.
Authorities reported that river flows are being monitored in real-time and that drivers of heavy vehicles should be cautious about using alternative routes.
AFAD: 99 ANIMALS EVACUATED
According to a statement from the AFAD Presidency; in the flood response efforts, 539 personnel, 157 vehicles and machinery, 23 motor pumps, and 11 search and rescue boats were deployed.
A total of 45 notifications were received, 3 people were rescued, and 99 animals were evacuated. It was reported that there were no casualties or injuries during the floods. Despite the decrease in flows, it was noted that the teams in the field continued their work.
Teams from surrounding provinces also supported the efforts initiated under the coordination of AFAD.
DAMAGE ASSESSMENT IN AGRICULTURAL LANDS IS BEING CONDUCTED
Teams from the Edirne Provincial Directorate of Agriculture and Forestry have also started inspections in the agricultural areas that were submerged. Provincial Director İslam Köse met with producers to assess the situation. The directorate reported that river flows are being closely monitored and that support for producers will continue.
After the rising water level on February 19, the Tunca River overflowed, submerging the historic Sarayiçi area and the Kırkpınar Er Meydanı. Due to the overflow of the Meriç River from its bed, partial floods occurred in the area around Bosnaköy, where vineyard houses are located, connected to the city center.