All schools in five municipalities in Varna region are to remain shut on Monday after heavy snowfalls and cold front hit the region.

The eastern Bulgarian city of Varna declared a state of emergency in five of its municipalities over the weekend.

The districts affected are Byala, Sovorovo, Valchidol and settlements in Aksakovo and Vetrino municipality, the Civil Defense Force has announced.

Electrical power is down in almost all settlements in the Burgas region, including Ruen, Saint Vlas, Sinemorets, Ahtopol and Rezovo. Five settlements near Shumen are similarly affected.

The north eastern municipality of Vetrino has also now declared a state of emergency, following heavy snowstorms.

According to an official, if the case proves to be serious, the patient will be transported to Varna.

Civil Defense teams worked to repair widespread damage, particularly around Karnobat and Burgas.

The Hemus highway remained closed in the direction Varna - Shumen, stated the Regional Roads Office. Almost all third-class roads in the Varna area are also closed.

Traffic to Dobrich and Balchik requires the use of chains, and trailers are banned form travelling.The Karnobat ring road and the Trakia Highway in the Karnobat-Burgas section are also closed, announced the Burgas Civil Defense unit

The roads from Yambol to Sredets, the Dyulen Pass and the road between Tsarevo, Ahtopol and Rezovo are all shut due to the extreme drifting of snow. Attempts at clearing the roads of snow are under way.