The landslide in Balchik, in the area of the villa zone “Ovcharovski beach”, is active again. It extends over an area of about 90 acres. According to experts, there is a real danger of the abandoned buildings in the area collapsing, and the earth masses are slowly moving towards the coastal promenade, reports BNT.
The landslide was registered 40 years ago. In October last year, experts from Geozashchita - Varna discovered a new crack with a depth of about 5 meters and a width of about 15.
Krassimir Nikolov, manager of Geozashchita - Varna: "Now in December it was found out that all of these 15 meters had slid down in the landslide. The main landslide retreat reaches the buildings of “Svilosa” AD, almost exposing their foundations and creating a real danger to the habitation of these buildings."
A recommendation has been issued to the owners not to allow people to the buildings, which have been uninhabited for years. Access to the landslide is limited. There is a danger that with further intense rainfall, new landslide processes will be activated and one of the buildings located near the landslide will collapse.
The landslide also threatens part of the coastal promenade of Balchik.
Krassimir Nikolov, manager of Geozashchita - Varna: "Around the starboard side, partial burials are possible and when the earth masses are carried away, they will be poured onto this dam."
The reasons for the activation of the landslide are the outflow of domestic and groundwater in the area.
Krassimir Nikolov, manager of Geozashchita - Varna: "Watering in depth, watering from the surface. This is a rather complex process, controlling it is difficult and expensive. But in any case, measures must be taken to prevent further expansion to the west or north towards the road, especially towards the road."
Measures have been taken to limit landslide processes.
Dimitrin Dimitrov, Deputy Mayor of Balchik Municipality: "We stopped the water supply to the entire region, because during a more detailed inspection in December we found surface leaks, which we then assumed were from the water supply network, after the shutdown it was confirmed that this was the case."
The Balchik Municipality is expecting state funding for a feasibility study and development of a project to strengthen the landslide.
Dimitrin Dimitrov, Deputy Mayor of Balchik Municipality: "We could not cope with our own funds. We have notified the state through the Interdepartmental Commission on Disasters and Accidents."
Hoteliers in Balchik are also concerned about the active landslide.
Victor Luchiyanov, hotelier: "I hope there will be no serious outflow of tourists this season. I hope so. I believe that the state will step into its role and help the municipality solve this problem as quickly as possible."
There are also many villas near the landslide, where tourists stay every summer.
Viktor Luchiyanov, hotelier: "I don't know if these people will remain supplied with water and electricity after this landslide, because they are in close proximity, literally behind the landslide."
The landslide covers state, municipal and private land, and this further complicates the taking of measures. However, the Balchik Municipality says that without the help of the state, the problem cannot be solved.