In the summer of 2024, Bulgaria faced one of the worst series of fires in its recent history. Prolonged heatwaves and record-breaking temperatures triggered a wave of uncontrolled forest fires across the country, which burned more than 38,000 hectares of land - more than double that of the previous year.

The fires, which started in July, particularly affected regions such as Sakar mountains near Topolovgrad and Ivaylovgrad in Khaskovo province. The scale of the damage has led to the evacuation of residents, the destruction of homes, agricultural losses and the devastation of key forest ecosystems. According to European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) Bulgaria was among the EU countries most affected by the 2024 fires.

In response to the crisis Global Empowerment Mission Europe mobilised to provide the necessary assistance.Working with the local authorities, we donated family aid kits to the main distribution point in Strumyani in Blagoevgrad region, supporting families in need. Each kit contained food with a long shelf life, hygiene products, drinking water and other items needed to meet basic needs during the ongoing recovery efforts.

See us in action ->

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