Severe Flooding and Landslides Devastate Bosnia and Herzegovina
In a tragic turn of events, Bosnia and Herzegovina is grappling with catastrophic flooding and landslides caused by extreme rainfall. As of October 4, 2024, at least 14 people have lost their lives, with many more reported missing. Darko Juka, a spokesperson for the Herzegovina-Neretva canton government, indicated that the situation remains dire, with fears that the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue.
The town of Jablanica, located approximately 70 kilometers southwest of Sarajevo, has been particularly hard-hit. Reports indicate that several rivers have overflowed their banks, leading to widespread devastation. Photos from local media depict houses buried under mudslides, with only the minaret of a mosque visible above the debris. Jablanica has been isolated for hours, complicating rescue efforts as emergency services struggle to reach the area due to impassable roads.
Ongoing Crisis and Rescue Efforts
The crisis has prompted a significant response from local authorities, with firefighters, police, and disaster relief teams deployed to assist those affected. In Kiseljak, roughly 20 kilometers from the capital, many homes, gardens, and vehicles are submerged under water. Nermin Niksic, Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, described the situation as
the extent of which he cannot remember since the Bosnian war. He emphasized that many residents remain trapped in their homes as emergency services work tirelessly to reach them.
Regional Impact and Climate Change Concerns
The severe weather is not confined to Bosnia and Herzegovina; neighboring Croatia has also issued flood warnings for the coastal city of Rijeka and other regions, while severe storms are impacting parts of Italy. Experts attribute the increasing frequency of extreme weather events to man-made climate change, which has led to higher levels of water vapor in the atmosphere, resulting in more intense rainfall. As the situation develops, authorities continue to monitor weather forecasts, which suggest that further flooding may occur over the weekend.
