On January 9, the municipal administrations of Rousse and Dobrich lifted the state of emergency, which had been declared after heavy snowfall over the first days of 2008.

According to authorities, the crisis situation in Rousse was under control and access to all settlements in the municipality had been restored.

Nearly 1270 people and 562 machines took part in the crisis management, Focus news agency said.

Schools in the Dobrich municipal region would be opened. The student’s winter holiday had been prolonged by three days because of the snow, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) said.

The villages of Durankulak and Granichar in the municipality of Dobrich were still without electricity, (BNR) said. An emergency team was working to solve the problem.

Roads in the Dobrich municipality were passable, but under heavy winter conditions.

Some minor roads were still closed in the municipalities of Cherven Bryag and Roman, near Pleven.

Disaster Management Ministry teams were working to remove broken down vehicles, fallen trees and branches and dangerous icicles.