site.btaBulgarian Leaders Condole with Macedonian Counterparts over Flood Victims

Bulgarian Leaders Condole with Macedonian Counterparts over Flood Victims

Sofia, August 8 (BTA) - Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev and Prime Minister Boyko Borissov have sent condolences to their Macedonian counterparts over the heavy floods that hit the country taking dozens of lives.

In a message to Macedonian counterpart Gjorge Ivanov President Plevneliev wrote:
"I was deeply saddened by the news about the floods in Skopje which took dozens of lives and caused catastrophic damage. On behalf of the Bulgarian people and myself I wish to convey our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims."

Prime Minister Borissov has expressed solidarity with the Macedonian people at this difficult time.

He ordered the relevant Bulgarian institutions to get in touch with their Macedonian counterpart and specify the assistance that Bulgarian government can extend.

Later on Sunday it emerged that 12 Bulgarian firefighters and Chief Commissioner Nikolai Nikolov, head of the Fire Safety and Population Protection General Directorate  half left for Skopje with two specially equipped vehicles to tackle the effects of the floods.

On Monday the Bulgarian firefighters will meet with the operational task force in   charge of the rescue activities and agree whether Macedonia needs further assistance.

On the night to Sunday, a storm hit the northeastern parts of Skopje, with winds reaching over 70 km/h. In some parts the water level rose to 1.5 m. At least 20 people have died and a thousand have been rescued from the flooded regions.