Amid increased global concern following the conflict in the Middle East, European nations, including Bulgaria, have been reviewing their civil defense infrastructure. To raise public awareness regarding the availability and location of protective facilities, the University Rescue Squad (URS), part of the Bulgarian Youth Red Cross, published a map detailing the nation’s civil defense and fallout shelters. According to fire service data, Bulgaria maintains 247 such shelters.
However, only 18 are currently confirmed as operational for their intended purpose, though the remainder can be made functional within one week. Maintenance protocols require an official individual responsible for each site, and the fire service conducts mandatory inspections twice annually. In Sofia, City Hall reports that ten of the city’s 92 shelters have undergone overhauls in the last two years, with renovations beginning on six more, and the remaining facilities scheduled for repair within four years.
These structures are frequently situated within schools and kindergartens. URS volunteer Radinel Pargov noted that while some shelters are publicly known, they may not be on the official list if they are privately owned and not under the fire service’s direct charge. He pointed out that while many areas lack dedicated shelters, the underground railway system (Metro) represents the largest capacity resource, capable of accommodating over 900,000 people.
Additionally, the National Palace of Culture, underground garages, and tunnels can serve as alternative protective spaces.
Topics: #bomb #shelters #bulgaria
