Djokovic appeals for help for flood-hit Serbia

People build a dam made up of sandbags by the bank of the Sava river in Sremska Mitrovica, 90 kilometers west of Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, May 17, 2014. Record flooding in the Balkans leaves at least 20 people dead in Serbia and Bosnia and is forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes. Meteorologists say the flooding is the worst since records began 120 years ago. AP

ROME—Novak Djokovic is appealing for help for his flood-hit native Serbia.

“This is a total catastrophe of biblical proportions. Half the country is in danger of not having electricity,” Djokovic said after beating Milos Raonic on Saturday to reach the Italian Open final.

Tens of thousands of people have been forced out of their homes in Serbia and in Bosnia. At least 20 people have died.

Three months’ worth of rain has fallen on the region in just three days, creating floods that meteorologists say are the worst since records began 120 years ago.

“Unfortunately there is not enough awareness going on,” Djokovic said. “We need help.”