Devastating Flash Floods and Landslides in Bosnia Leave Communities Grieving
Rescue teams are currently engaged in an intensive search for survivors following catastrophic flash floods and landslides that struck parts of Bosnia, resulting in at least 16 confirmed fatalities and dozens of injuries. In the central town of Jablanica, heavy machinery has been deployed to clear the extensive debris and rock piles that litter the area after a severe rainstorm hit on Friday morning.
The torrential downpour overwhelmed the region, particularly affecting Jablanica and nearby Konjic. As residents slept, their homes were suddenly inundated, leading to tragic flooding incidents and landslides that not only destroyed property but also severely disrupted access throughout the surrounding areas. Reports indicate that significant landslides collapsed roads and covered villages with mud, isolating entire communities.
Tragic stories are emerging from the disaster zone. Alka Gusic, a resident of Donja Jablanica, shared her heartbreak, revealing that she lost her brother and his family in the calamity. "A frightening rumble woke me up, and I thought it was an earthquake," Gusic recalled. When she dared to leave her home in the morning light, she witnessed paramedics pulling her brother's son from the rubble. "It was clear he was dead. God help us, I lost four of them; our house is completely destroyed, and no one survived."
As it stands, at least 16 lives have been confirmed lost, including a baby, with an additional 10 individuals still reported missing. The situation remains critical, with dozens more injured as rescuers work tirelessly under increasingly challenging conditions. Authorities have restricted access to Jablanica to help prioritize search operations in the area.
The flooding was so severe that some homes saw water levels rise to their rooftops, leaving behind a devastating scene of destruction. Amidst the wreckage, rescuers have been navigating through mass piles of rubble in search of survivors. To complicate matters further, local officials noted that many villages around Konjic are still cut off from access, suffering from significant infrastructure damages.
Husein Hodzic, from the local civil protection unit, described the widespread impact on essential services: "Kilometers of roads have vanished; practically all bridges are destroyed. There is no electricity—power poles have been swept away, and phone lines are down."
In light of this disaster, Bosnia's electoral authorities have announced the postponement of local elections scheduled for Sunday in affected municipalities.
The extreme weather event has once again reignited discussions about climate change's role in exacerbating such disasters. According to scientists, human-induced climate change increases rainfall intensity as warmer air retains more moisture. The Balkans experienced prolonged record-high temperatures this summer that caused significant drought, leaving the land less able to absorb the overwhelming floodwaters.
While flooding has also been reported in portions of Croatia and Montenegro in recent days, the damages have been considerably less severe and without fatalities compared to the situation in Bosnia. As rescue operations continue, the affected communities face the daunting task of recovery, mourning losses, and rebuilding their lives amidst the devastation.
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