Heavy Rainfall in North Macedonia Causes Increased River Levels, Disrupts Roads

Heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours has created difficult road conditions across the Republic of North Macedonia. Since Thursday evening, parts of the Ohrid–St Naum road have been impassable, with traffic reduced to a single lane in some areas due to 30 centimeters of water flooding the opposite lane, the Auto-Moto Association of Macedonia reported. Floodwaters from the Crna River in the municipality of Novaci have also forced the closure of the road leading to the Brod–Gnejotino mine.

Landslides have been recorded on the Delcevo–Makedonska Kamenica road. The Auto-Moto Association is urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly on routes running through basins, river valleys, and gorges where landslides are more likely.

The heavy rainfall has caused river levels to rise considerably nationwide which led to not only landslides but also localized flooding and water entering residential buildings, according to the Crisis Management Centre.

The Hydrometeorological Service reported that homes and stables in the Bitola area have been inundated after the Semnica River overflowed. Houses in the villages of Tsarev Dvor and Darmeni in the area of Prespa have also been flooded by overflowing rivers. There is concern that the Golema River could also overflow, the Crisis Management Centre noted.

Water levels on the Vardar River in the Veles region are also high, creating a risk of overflow. Landslides and fallen trees have been reported on two road sections in the area. In the Ohrid region, water levels are elevated as well, with flooding threatening some residential buildings. The Crisis Management Centre said that all relevant services are on the ground and measures are being taken to protect residents and infrastructure.

The highest rainfall in the past 24 hours was recorded in Pretor (66 l/sq m), followed by Krusevo (37 l/sq m) and Bitola (30 l/sq m).