Amber Phillips
Updated on: October 16, 2024 11:03 pm GMT
As floodwaters continue to wreak havoc across Bosnia, the country faces its deadliest natural disaster in years, with at least 21 confirmed dead and dozens missing. A series of heavy rains triggered flash floods and landslides, primarily impacting the Jablanica area, located about 70 kilometers southwest of the capital, Sarajevo. Rescuers are tirelessly searching for survivors amid the rubble of homes and washed-out roads.
Impact of the Floods
The torrential rains that swept through central Bosnia-Herzegovina began on Friday, causing rivers to overflow and leading to towns and villages being almost completely submerged. Eyewitness accounts describe terrifying scenes as residents grappled with the sudden storm.
- Life claimed: At least 21 fatalities have been reported.
- Dozens missing: Emergency services are actively searching for those unaccounted for.
- Infrastructure damage: Roads, bridges, and railway tracks have collapsed or been blocked by debris.
Local development minister Vojin Mijatovic referred to the situation as a “terrible disaster” and urged residents to remain calm as search operations continue.
Rescue Efforts Underway
Search and rescue teams have mobilized, including assistance from neighboring countries like Serbia, Croatia, and North Macedonia, as well as support from EU nations. In places where access remains impossible, rescuers face significant challenges, and reports indicate that some villages have not yet been reached.
One rescuer noted, “There are some villages in the area that still cannot be reached, and we don’t know what we will find there.” Despite a temporary halt to operations due to heavy rainfall, rescue efforts resumed once conditions improved.
In Donja Jablanica, a village hit particularly hard, many homes were buried under rubble from landslides. Residents shared harrowing stories of their experiences. Nezima Begovic, 62, described the terrifying moment: “I heard people screaming and suddenly it was all quiet. Then I said everyone is dead there.”
Another resident, Enes Imamovic, 66, recalled waking up to the sound of destruction at around 5 a.m. “Everything was white from the stones and dust that came down from the quarry,” he explained.
Regulatory Changes and Community Response
In the aftermath of the floods, immediate actions have been taken by local authorities. The Bosnian Football Association has postponed all matches to focus resources on recovery efforts. Furthermore, the election commission decided to delay local elections set for this weekend in the affected municipalities while continuing with voting in less impacted areas.
The devastation caused by the floods comes on the heels of a summer drought that had already strained the agricultural sector and water supply in the Balkans. Meteorologists attribute these extreme weather patterns largely to climate change, raising concerns over the increasing frequency of such disasters.
Looking Ahead
As the situation remains fluid and dangerous, officials are working diligently to assess the full extent of the damage. The government plans to hold a press conference to outline the next steps in recovery and provide updates on the search for the missing.
A community member affected by the floods summed up the resilience of the people, stating, “We will rebuild, but it will take time and a lot of resources.”
The efforts to support those affected by the floods are ongoing, with rescue teams focused on helping individuals and families impacted by this catastrophe. More than ever, it is vital for local and international communities to come together to assist in recovery efforts and mitigate future risks.
After a big natural disaster, the people of Bosnia are showing bravery and strength as they work on recovering. Together, they are helping each other and trying to rebuild their lives. The country hopes to come out of this tough time even stronger and ready for whatever challenges may come next.
