Bosnia and Herzegovina Faces Severe Natural Disaster

Bosnia and Herzegovina is grappling with a natural disaster of alarming proportions, as heavy rains have led to severe floods and landslides, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 14 lives with many others unaccounted for. The devastation has struck various regions, but the municipality of Jablanica, located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) southwest of the capital, Sarajevo, has been particularly hard-hit.

Isolation of Jablanica

In the aftermath of relentless downpours that persisted for 24 hours, Jablanica found itself completely isolated when the torrential rains destroyed critical road and railway links. Darko Jukan, spokesperson for Bosnia’s interethnic presidency, stated, “At least 14 dead were found in the Jablanica area. There are a lot of people reported missing.” The full extent of the disaster is still emerging, with civil defense officials from the Bosniak-Croat Federation warning that the death toll could rise further.

Comparisons to Past Floods

The current flooding crisis is being described as the worst the country has faced since the catastrophic floods of 2014, which claimed over 20 lives. Distressing drone footage circulating on Bosnian media depicts entire villages and towns engulfed in water, while social media platforms are flooded with dramatic scenes showcasing the power of the muddy torrents sweeping through roads and properties.

Affected Areas and Response

The towns have been partially saved from total isolation, with Kiseljak in central Bosnia being one of the most affected, where a river inundated roads and neighborhoods. While the floodwaters began to recede on Friday afternoon, significant damage has already been inflicted, with brown, swirling waters reaching the doorsteps of businesses and homes.

Government Response and Rescue Efforts

In response to the crisis, the cantonal government has called for military assistance in the wider Jablanica area. Rescue units, engineers, and a helicopter have been dispatched, managing to extract 17 individuals from a mental health facility. Additionally, several others injured have been evacuated by helicopter thanks to efforts spearheaded by the European Union peacekeeping force (EUFOR).

Challenges for Emergency Services

Al Jazeera's correspondent Ivan Pavkovic reported from Grabovica, noting the destruction of key infrastructure when the floods washed away a main road, effectively stranding emergency vehicles such as ambulances and police cars. “They are unable to proceed any further, and traffic is entirely halted, making it impossible to access the area between Jablanica and southern Bosnia,” Pavkovic explained, adding that ambulances were resorting to boat transfers for urgent medical cases.

Impact on Neighboring Countries

The torrential rains have not only ravaged Bosnia but have also impacted neighboring Croatia, leading to floods that have affected several areas without causing any reported casualties so far. Severe weather warnings have been issued for the Adriatic coast and central regions of Croatia, while similar alerts have been raised in Montenegro and Serbia, as they brace for potential flooding as well.

Conclusion

With communities across the region struggling to cope, the human and infrastructural toll of this disaster continues to rise, leaving the nation united in its fight against nature's wrath. As rescue operations intensify, the world watches closely, offering hopes for a swift response to this unfolding tragedy.