Tragedy Strikes as Flash Floods Devastate Bosnia-Herzegovina, Search for Missing Continues
Rescue teams are actively searching for up to 40 individuals still unaccounted for following catastrophic flash flooding in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The deluge, which struck early on October 4 due to torrential rains, has resulted in at least 16 confirmed fatalities, leaving several villages completely cut off and prompting local officials to declare a state of disaster.
Among the deceased, 13 were reported from Herzegovina and three from Bosnia. The flooding caused significant damage, destroying bridges and roads across the region, severely hampering efforts from rescue workers trying to reach those impacted.
The Civil Protection Service has stated that between 20 and 40 individuals are currently reported missing. Cleanup operations began on October 5 in the severely affected municipalities of Jablanica—where 12 deaths were recorded—and neighboring Konjic, which saw one fatality. These municipalities lie strategically between the southern city of Mostar and the capital, Sarajevo, but the recent flooding has rendered them nearly inaccessible.
Residents were caught off-guard as the heavy rains began to fall during the night, quickly submerging homes and burying villages under thick layers of mud. In Jablanica, rescue crews have been tasked with clearing massive piles of debris and rocks, remnants of the landslides triggered by the sudden floods. This picturesque region, known for its scenic views and tourist attractions along the Neretva River and Jablanica Lake, is now facing unprecedented destruction, with many areas completely isolated due to the collapse of infrastructure.
Tragically, six individuals are missing in Jablanica, while four remain unaccounted for in Konjic. Three additional deaths were confirmed in Fojnica, central Bosnia. Initial reports had suggested a higher death toll of 19, but this number was later clarified by authorities in Herzegovina-Neretva Canton as three victims had been accounted for twice.
Darko Jukan, a spokesperson for the authorities in the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, "I cannot remember a crisis of such magnitude since the 1992-95 war." Eyewitness accounts reveal scenes of devastation, with drone footage capturing towns engulfed in water and social media platforms flooded with videos displaying swirling torrents and substantial road damage.
The chaos wasn't limited to Bosnia alone; neighboring Montenegro reported flash flooding due to heavy rains, while Croatia dealt with strong winds and torrential downpours that closed several critical roads. As the situation develops, emergency workers are tirelessly attempting to divert waters that have obstructed access to trapped communities.
As the death toll rises and search efforts intensify, the region stands in mourning, grappling with the harsh realities of natural disaster and its profound impact on local lives and infrastructure.
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