Janice R. Andrews
Severe Flooding and Landslides Claim Lives in Bosnia-Herzegovina
Bosnia-Herzegovina is reeling from catastrophic floods and landslides triggered by persistent heavy rainfall. The mountainous town of Jablanica in Herzegovina has been severely impacted, with authorities reporting it as completely isolated from the rest of the nation.
Regional officials confirm at least 16 fatalities, with expectations of a rising death toll as search and rescue efforts continue. Aldin Brasnjic, civil defense chief for the Bosniak-Croat federation, stresses the critical need to locate missing individuals in the disaster zones.
Epicenter of Destruction
The flooding has wreaked havoc in areas approximately 30 kilometers north of Mostar, including the small community of Jablanica. Images reveal the extent of devastation, with landslides burying houses up to their rooftops, leaving only a mosque’s minaret visible above the debris.
Jablanica, home to 4,000 residents, is now cut off from the country. Darko Jukan, spokesperson for the Herzegovina-Neretva canton government, describes the crisis as unprecedented since the 1990s war, warning of more severe weather to come.
Rescue Operations Hindered
Emergency teams face significant challenges in reaching trapped individuals due to landslide-blocked roads to remote villages. The forecast predicts continued heavy rainfall over the weekend, potentially worsening flood conditions. Military personnel have been deployed to assist with engineering and rescue operations, but the situation remains critical.
Nermin Niksic, Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, expresses grave concern over residents unable to evacuate due to hazardous conditions.
Regional Alert
As Bosnia grapples with rising floodwaters, neighboring Croatia has issued flood warnings for the coastal city of Rijeka and inland areas. Both countries are preparing for additional rainfall and potential widespread devastation.
Climate Change Implications
This extreme weather event aligns with scientists’ warnings about the increasing frequency and intensity of such disasters due to human-induced climate change. The unprecedented flooding in Bosnia follows recent similar events in Central Europe, underscoring the growing threat of climate-related catastrophes.
As Bosnia braces for more rain and continues rescue efforts, the death toll is expected to increase, marking this as one of the country’s most severe natural disasters in recent history. Local and international aid workers are working tirelessly to assist those affected.
