Bulgaria hit by heavy rains, floods, mudslides

Heavy rains, strong winds and a rapid snow melt triggered floods and mudslides in Bulgaria yesterday, killing one person and cutting power to thousands of others in the Balkan country, officials said.

Authorities declared a state of emergency in mountainous southwestern Bulgaria, where more than 10 towns and villages were flooded by overflowing rivers and dams.

"Many houses in the affected regions have been flooded," the government's disaster relief commission said in a statement.

A 55-year old man drowned in the southeastern village of Chernoochane. A cargo train derailed in the southwestern after hitting a landslide on the tracks. No injuries were reported.

High winds halted shipping at Bulgaria's Black Sea port of Bourgas. Port official said six cargo ships, carrying general goods were waiting to dock.