They are trying to clean up and pick up the pieces a day after torrential rains slammed central Bulgaria, leaving behind a trail of destruction and loss.

(SOUNDBITE) (Bulgarian) VILLAGER, IVAN MARINOV, SAYING:

"The water was up to my waist. I was rescuing my animals one by one. Rabbits and chickens died. I saved the goat, also a little lamb. There are about 25 tonnes of water in the basement."

Some say they were on their own when they were hit.

(SOUNDBITE) (Bulgarian) VILLAGER, VIOLETA YORDANOVA, SAYING:

"We called the police and called emergency services. They just looked. They did not dare help. After several hours they saved a woman struggling in the water with a thin rope and took her to the hospital. She was nearly dead. We do not know whether she is alive or dead."

Forecasters say more rainfall and thunderstorms are expected in northern and eastern Bulgaria.