This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-37002364

The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Macedonia storm: At least 20 die overnight in freak deluge Macedonia storm: At least 20 die overnight in freak deluge
(35 minutes later)
At least 20 people have died in floods that hit the Macedonian capital, Skopje, following torrential rain.At least 20 people have died in floods that hit the Macedonian capital, Skopje, following torrential rain.
The victims' bodies were found on Sunday morning after the storm passed. Several people are still missing.The victims' bodies were found on Sunday morning after the storm passed. Several people are still missing.
Some of the victims drowned in their cars. Parts of the city's ring road were swept away in the floods, dragging cars into nearby fields.Some of the victims drowned in their cars. Parts of the city's ring road were swept away in the floods, dragging cars into nearby fields.
Three-and-a-half inches (93mm) of rain fell in Skopje in the storm - more than the average for the whole of August.Three-and-a-half inches (93mm) of rain fell in Skopje in the storm - more than the average for the whole of August.
The water level reached as high as five feet (1.5 metres) in some of the affected areas, reports said.The water level reached as high as five feet (1.5 metres) in some of the affected areas, reports said.
"Everything was a mess. Televisions, the fridge, the sofa, everything was floating... it was a nightmare," said Baze Spriovski, a 43-year-old from Singelic in the outskirts of Skopje."Everything was a mess. Televisions, the fridge, the sofa, everything was floating... it was a nightmare," said Baze Spriovski, a 43-year-old from Singelic in the outskirts of Skopje.
Many homes remain flooded and without electricity; some are reported to have collapsed.Many homes remain flooded and without electricity; some are reported to have collapsed.
The authorities have declared a crisis situation in Skopje and Tetovo for the next 15 days, the Macedonian Information Agency said.
The Mayor of Skopje, Kove Trajanovski, said: "This is a disaster. We have never experienced such a thing."The Mayor of Skopje, Kove Trajanovski, said: "This is a disaster. We have never experienced such a thing."
"There were thunderbolts with lightning almost every second. It was really horrific," said Biljana Joneska, 62, in Skopje."There were thunderbolts with lightning almost every second. It was really horrific," said Biljana Joneska, 62, in Skopje.
Local media reported that ambulances were called out 65 times across the city, more than 20 people were treated in hospital, and the army was called in to help.Local media reported that ambulances were called out 65 times across the city, more than 20 people were treated in hospital, and the army was called in to help.
Three villages in the north-east of the country were cut off because of landslides.Three villages in the north-east of the country were cut off because of landslides.
Police said about 70 vehicles were stuck because of one such incident between the villages of Stajkovci and Radisani.Police said about 70 vehicles were stuck because of one such incident between the villages of Stajkovci and Radisani.
Health authorities have advised residents in the worst hit areas to use only bottled water or water from public authority cisterns for drinking and cooking.Health authorities have advised residents in the worst hit areas to use only bottled water or water from public authority cisterns for drinking and cooking.
More rain is forecast for Sunday evening.More rain is forecast for Sunday evening.