Attachments
Description of the Event
Date of event
29-01-2026
What happened, where and when?
During the period of early to mid‐January 2026, North Macedonia was affected by a persistent cyclonic system that generated widespread and intensive precipitation. According to the National Hydrometeorological Service (UHMK), the system produced “more abundant rainfall in the central and eastern parts (over 30 l/m²)”, accompanied by unstable weather conditions and thunderstorms. The combination of high-intensity rainfall, saturated soils, and concurrent snowmelt created conditions conducive to localized flooding in both Kičevo and Ohrid.
The prolonged heavy rainfall led to the overflow of several rivers, including the Zajashka, Koselska and Dalja rivers, resulting in widespread flooding in the municipalities of Kichevo and Ohrid. The floods caused significant damage to residential houses, basements, yards, business premises, public spaces and road infrastructure, severely disrupting daily life and local mobility. Entire neighborhoods were inundated, particularly in Ohrid region, as well as multiple locations in the Kichevo region. Damage to roads and access routes further limited movement and access to essential services.
The floods disproportionately affected people in vulnerable situations, including low-income households, older people, people with disabilities, families with young children and people living in flood-prone or substandard housing. Many of these households experienced loss of essential household items, damage to living spaces and temporary displacement, increasing their exposure to health risks, insecurity and economic hardship. Small businesses and informal livelihoods were also impacted, further reducing household coping capacity.
The current situation remains unstable, with ongoing response operations and continued risk of further rainfall. Emergency services, municipalities and Red Cross branches in Kichevo and Ohrid remain actively engaged in response activities, focusing on evacuation support, water removal, shelter assistance and humanitarian relief to mitigate the immediate humanitarian consequences and prevent further deterioration of living conditions among the affected population.
Following the floods of 7–8 January, continued rainfall and evolving damage assessments revealed needs exceeding the initial response capacity. Following the floods of 7–8 January, continuous rainfall persisted from 2 to 11 January, resulting in sustained high river levels in both Ohrid and Kičevo and triggering further flooding, including a flash flood in the Kičevo area. As damage assessments progressed, additional households reported losses to housing, livelihoods, and essential infrastructure, revealing needs that exceeded the initial response capacity. The prolonged nature of the rainfall, combined with simultaneous impacts across multiple municipalities and heightened risks for groups in vulnerable situations, prompted local crisis management authorities on 16 January to formally request the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia to scale up humanitarian assistance. On 16 January, the local crisis management authorities in Ohrid and Kičevo requested the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia to continue supporting the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance. Subsequently, the Red Cross of the Republic of North Macedonia planned a DREF operation to address the growing humanitarian needs.
Prolonged and intense rainfall between 14 and 16 February 2026 led to the rapid rise and overflow of several rivers, including the Zajashka and Slupčanka rivers, resulting in flooding across multiple municipalities in North Macedonia, particularly Kichevo, as well as parts of Tetovo, Gostivar, Saraj (Skopje region), and surrounding settlements. In Kichevo, the Zajashka River overflowed its banks, inundating residential neighborhoods, streets, basements, yards, business premises, agricultural land, and segments of local road infrastructure, severely disrupting daily life and mobility. Several low-lying areas were heavily flooded, with landslides and damaged roads limiting access to services and disrupting transport. Vulnerable groups were particularly affected, and many households experienced damage, loss of belongings, and temporary displacement. In Kichevo, over 270 residents were evacuated.
The situation remains under close monitoring due to the risk of further rainfall. Emergency services, municipal authorities, the Crisis Management Centre, and Red Cross branches continue response efforts. The Red Cross Branch in Kichevo assisted around 200 households with food, hygiene parcels, blankets, sleeping bags, and drinking water, and coordination continues to ensure support during the recovery phase. Weather forecasts indicate a significant drop in temperatures across the affected regions, with colder conditions expected following the recent heavy rainfall. The anticipated temperature decline may increase hardship for displaced and flood-affected households, particularly those with damaged homes, limited heating capacity, or inadequate insulation.