Montenegro Tourists Rescued as Heavy Storm Hits

A massive storm caused record rainfall in Montenegro on Sunday night, sparking severe flooding, particularly in coastal areas and the capital Podgorica, with further heavy downpours predicted. 

Police and marine security officers saved about 40 tourists, mostly Russians, from beaches in Budva, Bar and Kotor after they were trapped by strong winds and high waves. 

Police said that the most dangerous situation was around Bar, where locals with boats helped police units to rescue tourists.

"The strong wind that started so quickly created huge waves which were ‘swallowing up’ the beaches. The tourists were not able to escape. Fortunately, it all ended well," police said in a statement.

Stormy weather also hit the Montenegrin capital on Sunday night, as strong wind and rain flooded most of the city streets and boulevards, causing particular problems in the suburbs.

Meteorologists have forecast that more than double Montenegro's average rainfall for the whole of July is expected to fall within just two days, on Monday and Tuesday.