International

Gale-force winds and heavy rain and snow hit large parts of Bulgaria on Sunday, claiming the lives of two people, causing severe damage and disrupting power supply in towns and villages, officials said.

Residents in eastern Bulgaria, which was hit the hardest, said they had never before experienced such extreme weather.

A state of emergency was declared in the Black Sea city of Varna, which received torrential rain mixed with snow along with intense wind. Officials said the conditions posed risks to the population.

The mayor’s office reported power disruptions in all boroughs of Varna. Fallen trees and branches blocked key roads, leaving vehicles stranded. The city called on residents to stay home and not to use their cars unless they had urgent needs.