2015-08-05 09:02:00

Macedonia flooding kills four


(Vatican Radio)  Police say at least four people, including three children, have been killed in the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia after a heavy rain storm caused flash floods and mudslides in several towns and villages in the west of the Balkan nation.

Listen to Stefan Bos' report:

The country of two million people was still struggling early Wednesday with the aftermath of what has been described as the worst storm to hit the region in 35 years.

Police confirmed that rescue teams were still looking for a missing girl in the village of Shipkovica and a 61-year-old man, raising fears that the death toll could rise. A dozen others were injured, officials said. 

The troubles began late Monday when Macedonia was struck by the storm, which brought torrential rain, hail and strong winds.  People were seen fleeing a raging river. 

Prime Minister concerned

Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski who visited the flooded region said all institutions, including those on state level, would help people.

However Macedonia's Deputy Prime Minister Vladimir Pesevski made clear that won't be easy. He said in a statement that the village of Shipkovica, "looks as if a huge tsunami has gone through it."

Pesevski explained that some 250 homes were damaged by the overnight high winds and torrential rain battering the northwest of this Balkan nation the major town of Tetovo.

At least seven villages in the region have reportedly lost road access because of mudslides, while the storm also caused a bridge collapse and the overnight closure of the road to neighboring Kosovo.

An emergency government meeting was to decide about further measures to help affected areas.








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