Devastating Floods Claim Lives in Bosnia-Herzegovina Amid Heavy Rainfall
At least 14 people have been confirmed dead due to catastrophic flooding caused by heavy rainstorms in central and southern Bosnia-Herzegovina, as reported by authorities on October 4. The spokesperson for the Neretva Canton, Darko Jukan, indicated that many others remain missing and that a significant number of individuals sustained injuries as a result of the deluge.
Authorities declared a state of natural disaster in the heavily affected areas of Jablanica and Konjic, which lie between Mostar and the capital, Sarajevo. In some villages, the floodwaters rose alarmingly high, even surpassing the roofs of homes.
Jukan informed that access to the flooded regions had been completely cut off due to the devastation, with telephone services affected to some extent as well.
Bosnian Defense Minister Zukan Helez disclosed to local television that the military has been deployed to assist in rescue operations as the number of casualties continues to rise. "Hour after hour we are receiving news about new victims. We sent everyone we could," Helez stated. He emphasized that rescuing those trapped in houses buried by landslides is the primary concern of the authorities.
Drone footage taken by Bosnian media portrayed a grim reality, showcasing towns and villages submerged in floodwaters. Videos circulating on social networks depicted rapid, muddy torrents and severely damaged infrastructure.
The overflow of rivers and resulting landslides wreaked havoc on critical infrastructure, destroying several bridges, particularly over the southern Drezanjka River. Roads linking Jablanica to Prozor-Rama buckled and were swept away, with a railway line following suit due to the landslides as authorities confirmed.
In the town of Komadonovo Vrelo, around 10 kilometers south of Jablanica, a 50-meter segment of the main road collapsed into the Neretva River.
Train services running south of Sarajevo toward Mostar and further to the southern city of Capljina have been suspended, according to reports from Bosnian Railways.
The impact of heavy rain has not been isolated to Bosnia-Herzegovina. Flash floods also struck neighboring Montenegro, while in Croatia, powerful winds and torrential rains led to several road closures. Authorities in Zagreb are undertaking emergency measures in anticipation of the Sava River overflowing its banks.
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