BEIJING, May 21 -- China on Wednesday expressed condolences to flood victims in three Balkan countries, adding it is willing to provide assistance.

China will provide assistance and support to the countries as its capacity allows, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily press briefing.

Floods swept large parts of Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia after days of heavy rain early last week.

The floods have caused the deaths of at least 40 people and forced the evacuation of tens of thousands.

The United Nations dispatched an assessment team and humanitarian assistance to disaster-hit areas after the floods reportedly submerged entire villages and triggered landslides across the Balkans.