The Serbian government on Friday declared a state of emergency for fighting floods in another six municipalities, one day after the state of emergency being declared for three municipalities over the worst floods in 25 years.

Under the state of emergency, the flood defense services will use expert teams equipped with mechanization in the upcoming days, and engage in all necessary measures for minimizing consequences of the major threat posed by floods in affected areas, said a government statement.

The government's decision comes after weeks of flooding caused by melting snow and heavy rain have caused tributaries running into the Danube to swell, raising water levels downstream in Serbia.

In lower parts of Belgrade, streets were submerged. In northern Serbia, floodwaters were preventing students from getting to school, blocking roads and submerging farms in several towns. The Danube waters flooded a railway station and a medieval fortress in the town of Smederevo, about 50 kilometers east of Belgrade.

Emergency measures to defend from the waters have been introduced along the Danube and its tributaries like Tisa, Tamis and Sava rivers with sandbags and dirt barriers.

Source: Xinhua