Bulgaria's Ministry of Regional Development estimated that BGN 870 M will be needed for reinforcing areas prone to landslides.

This was announced by Regional Minister Lilyana Pavlova at a sitting of the parliamentary Regional Committee on Thursday, daily Dnevnik reports.

Pavlova pointed that funding can be expected from several sources – the ministry's budget, the EU Solidarity Fund and the Operational Programme Environment 2014-2020.

At present 1850 landslides have been registered, the most serious located in the regions of Varna, Smolyan and Kardzhali.

Many of the slides are close to roads, which have caused some road closures, while others are in proximity to buildings.
Pavlova estimated that BGN 20 M will be needed to address damages resulting from new landslides, which are affecting roads.

The Regional Minister added that a payment worth BGN 4 M was expected from the EU Solidarity Fund for overcoming the damages from the summer flood in the town of Mizia.

Municipalities and district governors have to submit applications for damages caused by the latest floods until March 26, so that these can be summarised and forwarded to the Solidarity Fund.

The budget of the Operational Programme Environment for the new programme period foresees a budget of EUR 20 M.

At present the opportunities behind the establishment of a catastrophic pool, which could be similarly used for financing activities on addressing damages resulting from disasters, are being analysed.