Polish President Andrzej Duda has written to his Macedonian counterpart Gjorge Ivanov expressing his condolences over deaths following flash floods in the country’s capital, Skopje. “It was with great sadness that I learnt about the victims of the floods that hit the capital of Macedonia, Skopje,” Duda said in the letter.

“I offer, on behalf of the entire Polish nation and myself, expressions of sympathy […]. I assure you that in these difficult days we in Poland gather in thoughts and prayers in memory of the victims of the storms and all citizens of Macedonia,” the letter added.

At least 21 people have died and more than 100 have been injured in a rain storm that hit the Macedonian capital Skopje late Saturday night, causing severe damage to roads and houses.

More than 80 vehicles were hit by landslides at Skopje’s ring road. The highway remains closed.

The government announced a 15-day state of emergency in the Skopje and Tetovo region.