Alert activated: Heat wave August 1-7, Government declares 30-day state of crisis due to fires

The Institute of Public Health (IPH) today published recommendations on its website for protection from hot weather, following a forecast from the Hydrometeorological Service (UHMR) of expected high daily maximum temperatures from tomorrow, August 1, until August 7.

The IPH advises avoiding direct sun exposure and outdoor activities between 11:00 and 17:00; wearing light-colored, lightweight clothing, protective sunglasses and a light-colored hat; staying in indoor, air-conditioned spaces; taking frequent breaks in the shade when outdoors; consuming moderate amounts of food and avoiding fatty, high-calorie and high-sugar foods; ensuring adequate hydration with water and non-alcoholic mineral drinks without waiting to feel thirsty; and avoiding alcohol, caffeinated beverages and very cold drinks.

The Government declared a state of crisis across the entire territory

30 days of activated measures to combat fires

The Government decided to declare a state of crisis across the entire territory of the Republic of North Macedonia due to increased risks and dangers from open-space and forest fires. The measure will be in force for 30 days, starting August 1, 2026, with the aim of coordinating institutions and mobilizing resources for prevention and emergency intervention.

Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski emphasized that the Government has not announced the abolition of the second pension pillar, after intense public debate about a possible transfer of funds from private pension funds to the state fund. He, as was announced, also announced the creation of a new mechanism with strict controls for filtering foreign capital investments to protect national security, public order and strategic interests.

At the same time, state and business reports include other developments: AD ESM in the past two months purchased an additional 200,000 tons of coal for the needs of REK Bitola (the Novaci thermal power plant), where on June 4 a supplier was selected for 100,000 tons, and later a company was chosen to deliver another 100,000 tons. In the financial sector, Komercijalna Banka AD Skopje reported a positive result in the first six months of 2026 of 2.798 billion denars (about €45.5 million). Audit findings pointed to irregular payment of contributions to the Health Insurance Fund by the Pension Fund and the Ministry of Health, and "Lendi Group" was included for the first time among the 20 largest suppliers for public procurements in the country.

Alongside economic and infrastructure matters — including information that North Macedonia lost an IPA grant for the railway and that legislative amendments are being announced to continue project implementation — the climatic conditions and high temperatures increase the vulnerability of the population, especially the elderly, the chronically ill and children.

Public rhetoric also contains sharp criticism: "The entire state apparatus is one big tick that sucks the blood of the citizens," said Najchevska. The IPH calls on citizens to follow the prevention guidelines and to limit risky behavior outdoors while the heat wave and the state of crisis last.

Photo: press material from the event