Rescue teams are currently engaged in search and rescue operations following the tragic flash floods and landslides that struck parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The natural disaster has claimed the lives of at least 16 individuals, with many more sustaining injuries.
The central town of Jablanica bore the brunt of the devastation, as construction machines are tirelessly working to clear the debris left behind by the rainstorm that hit early on Friday. The heavy rainfall in the Jablanica and Konjic areas led to sudden floods that inundated homes while residents were asleep, causing widespread destruction.
Landslides triggered by the surging waters have resulted in collapsed roads and hills, burying villages in mud and isolating entire regions. Reports indicate that rocks from a nearby quarry fell on the village of Donja Jablanica, resulting in the burial of houses.
One resident, Alka Gusic, shared her harrowing experience of losing family members and witnessing the destruction of her home. The tragic event has left many families devastated, with numerous individuals still missing and dozens injured.
Rescue efforts are underway in Jablanica, with the town sealed off to outsiders to facilitate the search operations. The aftermath of the disaster has left houses submerged and roads destroyed, making access challenging for emergency responders.
Nearby Konjic also faced significant damage, with villages cut off from essential services due to the destruction of roads and bridges. The local civil protection unit highlighted the extensive infrastructure damage, including the loss of electricity and communication lines.
The impact of human-caused climate change is evident in the intensified rainfall experienced in the region. Scientists attribute the severity of the floods to warmer air holding more moisture, exacerbated by record temperatures and drought conditions in the Balkans this summer.
While flooding was also reported in Croatia and Montenegro, the damage was comparatively less severe, with no reported fatalities. The upcoming local elections in the flood-affected municipalities of Bosnia-Herzegovina have been postponed in light of the ongoing crisis.
The resilience and solidarity of the affected communities, coupled with the dedicated efforts of rescue teams, will be crucial in the recovery and rebuilding process following this devastating natural disaster.
