Storms batter eastern North Macedonia — roads blocked, power cuts and over 50 reported damages
Heavy rain, strong wind and lightning hit towns in the east and northeast; concerts were postponed while crews check equipment and restore services.
Heavy storms swept across northeastern and eastern parts of North Macedonia overnight, leaving scattered roof debris, fallen branches and trees, blocked roads and disruptions to the electricity grid in several towns.
Kumanovo, Kriva Palanka, Delchevo, Vinica and surrounding settlements were hit, but the situation was most serious in Kocani, where services remained on site today working to clear damage and restore normal conditions.
In Kocani some neighborhoods were without power and traffic on the Kocani–Shtip main road was suspended because of debris and fallen trees on the carriageway; several routes around the town were also blocked and the exit toward Vinica was stopped.
Crews working on repairs
Grozdanov reported that more than 50 damages were registered during the night and urged all citizens who suffered damage from last night’s storm to file reports with the Municipality, either electronically or directly through the one‑stop system. The situation is also serious in Obleshevo, where the storm caused an interruption in the electricity supply.
The local authority in Chesinovo‑Obleshevo says it has all available resources deployed to clear the aftermath and restore services. EVN teams are repairing damaged overhead lines and the company expects electricity to be restored to the settlements during the day.
Probishtip was also struck again last night, producing damage at several locations; crews continue to work on the ground and authorities are monitoring the situation. Because of the storm in the Probishtip area, there is a water supply interruption in Shtip.
Several music events scheduled for last night were cancelled and moved to today so technicians could check stage and technical equipment and secure safe conditions for performances. Although the heavy rain reduced the immediate fire risk in affected areas, the storms left significant problems for infrastructure and power supply; there is not yet a complete assessment of material damage.
Photo: press material from the event
