Oct 4, 2024 – Bosnia is grappling with the aftermath of a severe rainstorm that struck overnight Friday, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and widespread flooding in central and southern regions. Rescue efforts are underway as several individuals remain missing.
The storm led to substantial damage in towns and villages, with local officials reporting that roads were closed, and many homes were left without electricity. Darko Jukan, a spokesman for the administration in the southern town of Jablanica, confirmed the death toll and stated that rescue services were actively searching for those unaccounted for.
Defense Minister Zukan Helez informed N1 regional television that troops had been deployed to assist in rescue operations, emphasizing the urgency of saving those trapped in homes affected by landslides. “Hour after hour, we are receiving news about new victims. Our first priority is to save the people who are alive and buried in houses where the landslides are,” Helez said.
In Jablanica and the nearby town of Kiseljak, power outages persisted throughout the night, with mobile phone service disrupted, complicating communication efforts. The Jablanica fire station reported that access to the town was entirely blocked, with closed roads and railway lines cutting off transport.
The state rescue service echoed these concerns, advising residents to avoid flooded streets and stay indoors. “You can’t get in or out of Jablanica at the moment,” they stated, noting that while landline phones remained functional, mobile signals were down.
The heavy rainfall has been linked to climate change, which intensifies weather events as warmer air holds more moisture. This summer, the Balkans experienced extreme temperatures, leading to drought conditions that have hindered the land’s ability to absorb floodwaters.
Dramatic drone footage has emerged, showcasing towns and villages submerged under water. Social media has been filled with videos of rushing torrents and damaged infrastructure. Reports indicate that one major road linking Sarajevo with the Adriatic coast was washed away in a massive landslide.
The civic protection service reported that many residents are endangered due to rising waters and landslides. There have also been reports of domestic animals and vehicles being swept away as floodwaters inundated lower levels of buildings.
The storm’s impact was not confined to Bosnia; neighboring Croatia also faced heavy rains and flooding, with several roads closed. The capital, Zagreb, is bracing for the swollen Sava River to overflow its banks. Montenegro, situated south of Bosnia, reported similar flood conditions, isolating some villages and inundating homes.
https://apnews.com/video/floods-bosnia-and-herzegovina-storms-3e630507a0e34a26997d164897d374ec
