Monday, October 7, 2024 Severe flash floods and landslides have devastated central Bosnia-Herzegovina , claiming at least 18 lives and cutting off towns and villages. The hardest-hit area is around Jablanica, located on the main route between Mostar and Sarajevo. Rescue teams are continuing efforts to find the missing as more than a dozen people remain unaccounted for.
Heavy rains triggered landslides, particularly near Donja Jablanica, where houses were buried under mud and water rose to the rooftops. The disaster has prompted Bosnia to declare a state of emergency, with international rescue teams from Serbia, Croatia, and North Macedonia providing critical support. Authorities report severe damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and railway tracks, especially in Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, with aerial photos revealing towns and villages submerged by rising rivers.
Bosnia is also receiving aid from EU countries as the region grapples with the aftermath of one of its worst natural disasters. The floods have impacted neighboring countries as well, with Montenegro and Croatia experiencing rising water levels and road closures. Scientists warn that climate change has intensified these extreme weather events, with Europe being the fastest-warming continent.
As search and rescue operations continue, Bosnia faces significant challenges in restoring its infrastructure and helping communities recover from the widespread destruction..
