Overnight Friday, a severe rainstorm struck Bosnia, resulting in at least 14 fatalities and widespread flooding in central and southern regions of the country. Rescue services in the affected areas reported multiple individuals missing, prompting calls for assistance from volunteers and the army due to closed roads and power outages in many homes.
Local authorities confirmed the death toll in the town of Jablanica, with Defense Minister Zukan Helez stating that troops were mobilized to aid in the rescue efforts. Helez emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the ongoing search for survivors trapped in landslides and flooded houses.
Reports indicated that communication networks were severely disrupted, with power and cellphone services down in several towns. The closure of roads and railways further complicated access to affected areas, leaving communities isolated and in need of support.
Experts pointed to human-induced climate change as a contributing factor to the intensity of the rainfall, exacerbated by record temperatures earlier in the summer that led to drought conditions. The inability of dry land to absorb excess water worsened the flooding, as seen in drone footage showing submerged villages and damaged infrastructure.
In neighboring Croatia, heavy rains and winds also caused road closures and flooding, with the capital city of Zagreb bracing for potential river overflow. Similar challenges were reported in Montenegro, underscoring the widespread impact of the extreme weather event across the region.
Authorities advised residents to seek shelter on higher floors and avoid venturing out into flooded areas. The scenes of devastation captured in photos and videos underscored the urgent need for coordinated rescue efforts and support for affected communities.
