The death toll around the Macedonian capital of Skopje has reached 20, after fierce storms packing strong winds and torrential rains lashed the area overnight.
The freak weather included winds blowing at more than 70 kilometers (43 miles) an hour and resulted in flash floods and landslides, with cars swept away by the violent torrents.
A man passes damaged vehicles in the village of Stajkovci, near Skopje, on August 7, 2016, following overnight torrential rains and fierce storms. (AFP / Robert ATANASOVSKI)
Weather officials say the average rainfall for the whole of August fell on Skopje in the space of just two hours.
“Unfortunately, 20 people have died,” says Health Minister Nikola Todorov, who is coordinating rescue operations.
Local media reports that about 100 others suffered injuries, most of them minor, while a hospital source tells AFP that an 8-year-old girl is among the dead.
— AFP
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