Bulgarians have taken to the streets to protest about a months-long water shortage in the city of Pernik.

Residents gathered in their hundreds outside the government headquarters, warning of a looming humanitarian crisis and demanding urgent action is taken.

Pernik, home to over 80,000 people, has seen anger grow since November when local authorities imposed restrictions on water use due to the lack of supply from the nearby dam.

Pernik residents warned that Studena Dam, the city's sole water supply, will dry out in two weeks. They say bribery and incompetence are to blame for the shortage that has left families struggling to meet basic water needs for months. The rationing led to calls for the government to resign after allegations of mismanagement.

Earlier this month, Bulgaria's environment minister, Neno Dimov, was charged with deliberate mismanagement of water supplies, and resigned from his position. He is alleged to have allowed the town's water supply to be siphoned-off for use in industrial facilities knowing it would affect drinking water for residents. Dimov could spend up to eight years in prison if convicted.

The crowds at the protest, which took place on Saturday, were also angry about the city mayor's decision to cancel a big international dance festival for the first time in 60 years because of the water crisis. The annual Surva Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors, is a major source of revenue for many locals.

Bulgaria's opposition filed a motion earlier this week against the government of Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, accusing it of being responsible for the water crisis. The vote will be held in a few days, but the government's small majority in parliament means it is unlikely to pass.

The government has pledged to provide funding for alternative infrastructure to increase water supply in Pernik, but it is still unclear when the crisis will be resolved.