A statement on Wednesday said that the Council was "deeply distressed by the huge natural disaster in the countries of the Balkan region, and offered its most sincere condolences to the families and friends of the victims," Voice of Russia reported.

The Council members pointed out that Russia was among the first countries to respond

to Serbia's official plea for assistance, and added that "the help that is coming from Russia will continue to grow."

The scale of the catastrophe and further threats demand considerable efforts, work, and funds in order to normalize the situation in the country, they noted.

"Due to this situation, the Federation Council is addressing organs of state authorities of the Russian Federation subjects with a proposal to offer financial, humanitarian, and other assistance to Serbia, and to organize this work in their territories."

The statement also called on the Russian public to offer help to the brotherly Serbian people who encountered a calamity, "with whom we are bound by close cooperation, and deep feelings of friendship and understanding."