17 die as floods wreak havoc in Bosnia

Published October 6, 2024
SARAJEVO: A destroyed car is seen after a landslide devastated a village in Bosnia, on Friday.—Reuters
SARAJEVO: A destroyed car is seen after a landslide devastated a village in Bosnia, on Friday.—Reuters

JABLANICA: The search for several people reported missing in floods that have claimed at least 17 lives in Bosnia continued on Saturday, after torrential rains inundated towns and triggered landslides.

The waters are receding after the floods that struck Bosnia on Friday, but many roads to affected towns remain blocked, and large areas are still covered in debris.

Jablanica, located about 70 kilometres southwest of the capital, Sarajevo, appeared to have suffered the worst of the downpours, which cut it off from the rest of the country.

The city was buried under mud, rocks and landslides, including granite debris from a nearby quarry, with homes destroyed and vehicles wrecked. Rescue teams with search dogs are combing the area for the missing and those possibly trapped, said a journalist at the scene. In the Jablanica region, 10 people remain missing, according to local official Darko Juka.

Earlier on Saturday, authorities from Jablanica region confirmed 13 deaths, revising down a toll of 16 initially reported on Friday.

Later, Federal Prime Minister Nermin Niksic told a press conference that one more body had been found in Jablanica, while “three bodies were recovered in the Fojnica region”. The government declared a state of natural disaster and established a crisis headquarters on Friday. The floods also washed away bridges and railway lines.

“There were no new rains overnight, and excavators and heavy machinery are working to clear the area” Juka said. Bosnia’s election commission postponed local elections in municipalities affected by the floods. Voting will proceed as scheduled in other areas. The Bosnian football association also postponed all matches in response to the disaster.

The Croatian mountain rescue service arrived in Jablanica early Saturday to assist with rescue efforts, while Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic announced his country would provide aid to the citizens of Bosnia.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.