The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has prompted several European nations, including Bulgaria, to reassess the readiness of their civil defense infrastructure. In response, the University Rescue Squad (URS), a component of the Bulgarian Youth Red Cross, published a map detailing the location of civil defense and fallout shelters across the country to enhance public awareness. According to fire service data, Bulgaria possesses 247 civil defense and fallout shelters.
However, only 18 are currently deemed ready for immediate use as intended. Officials noted that the remaining facilities could be made functional within one week. Each designated shelter is assigned an official caretaker responsible for its upkeep, and the fire service is mandated to conduct inspections biannually.
In Sofia, City Hall reported that ten of the city’s 92 shelters have undergone overhaul in the last two years, with renovations beginning at six more, and the remainder scheduled for repair within four years. These shelters are often situated within schools and kindergartens. URS volunteer Radinel Pargov, who compiled the map, noted that while some private shelters exist and are known to the public, they are not included on the official list because they are privately owned and not under the fire service’s jurisdiction.
Pargov also highlighted that certain settlements lack official civil defense shelters. For large-scale capacity, the underground Metro system in the capital, which can accommodate over 900,000 people, serves as a major alternative. Additionally, the National Palace of Culture and underground garages can be utilized for shelter purposes, demonstrating the multi-layered approach to public safety in Bulgaria.
Topics: #bomb #shelters #bulgaria
