Heavy rainfall in Bosnia and Herzegovina has resulted in tragic flooding and landslides, leading to the deaths of at least 14 people, with many others reported missing. The municipality of Jablanica, located approximately 70 km southwest of Sarajevo, experienced devastating downpours that left it isolated as roads and railways were destroyed.
Authorities reported that Jablanica was the worst-hit area, with Darko Jukan, a spokesperson for Bosnia’s interethnic presidency, confirming the fatalities and the growing number of missing individuals. The civil defense agency for the Bosniak-Croat Federation warned that the death toll may rise as rescue efforts continue.
Drone footage captured scenes of entire villages submerged under water, highlighting the severity of the disaster. In Kiseljak, a central town, a river overflowed, inundating homes and businesses. While the waters began to recede on Friday afternoon, the damage was significant.
In response to the crisis, the cantonal government has requested military assistance. Emergency teams, including engineers and rescue units, have been deployed, and a helicopter was sent to rescue 17 individuals from a local mental health hospital. Some injured individuals were also airlifted by the European Union peacekeeping force (EUFOR).
Al Jazeera’s correspondent Ivan Pavkovic, reporting from Grabovica, noted that floods had washed away critical infrastructure, leaving emergency vehicles stranded and halting traffic. This has complicated efforts to reach those in need, with ambulances now exploring the option of using boats for transport.
Bosnia and Herzegovina is reeling from catastrophic flooding triggered by torrential rains, with authorities confirming that at least 14 people have died and many others remain unaccounted for. The municipality of Jablanica, located around 70 kilometers southwest of the capital, Sarajevo, has been particularly hard-hit, suffering from significant damage as the relentless downpours unleashed landslides and widespread flooding.
Local officials reported that the deluge, which lasted for over 24 hours, completely severed road and rail connections to Jablanica, effectively isolating the community. Darko Jukan, a spokesperson for Bosnia’s interethnic presidency, announced that the search and rescue operations are ongoing, as authorities brace for the possibility of a rising death toll amid the chaos.
Drone footage from Kiseljak, another affected area, vividly illustrates the severity of the situation. Entire neighborhoods are submerged, with muddy waters lapping at the doors of homes and businesses. The scenes captured highlight the desperation as people attempt to navigate the flooded streets. As the waters began to recede on Friday afternoon, the extent of the devastation became increasingly clear.
The civil defense agency for the Bosniak-Croat Federation issued warnings that the situation could worsen, as many individuals are reported missing. Rescuers are working tirelessly to locate these missing persons, employing both ground and aerial support to cover the vast areas affected by the flooding. Authorities have noted that some houses have been reduced to rubble by the landslides, adding to the already critical circumstances.
In response to the disaster, the cantonal government has requested military assistance to bolster rescue efforts. Engineers, rescue units, and helicopters have been deployed to the region, including specialized teams aimed at extracting individuals trapped in compromised locations, such as a mental health hospital from which 17 people were successfully rescued.
The situation has been further complicated by damaged infrastructure, making it challenging for emergency services to reach those in need. Al Jazeera’s correspondent Ivan Pavkovic reported from Grabovica, revealing that floods had washed away significant portions of the main road, effectively stranding ambulances and police vehicles. The impassable conditions have led rescuers to explore unconventional methods of transport, including using boats to evacuate residents.
While Bosnia and Herzegovina grapples with the aftermath of this disaster, neighboring countries are also feeling the effects. Croatia has issued severe weather warnings for its central and Adriatic regions, as heavy rainfall has caused localized flooding. Montenegro and Serbia have also reported similar conditions, with some villages becoming cut off due to rising waters.
This recent flooding is one of the most severe natural disasters the region has faced since 2014, when extensive flooding claimed more than 20 lives and displaced thousands. The emotional and physical toll on communities is immense, and as rescue operations continue, the priority remains finding those still missing and providing urgent assistance to the affected populations.
The devastating impact of climate-related disasters is becoming increasingly apparent in the region, raising concerns about preparedness and infrastructure resilience. As Bosnia and Herzegovina begins to assess the damage and recover from this calamity, the resilience of its communities will be put to the test once agaist
The flooding has also impacted neighboring Croatia, which issued severe weather warnings for its central and Adriatic regions. Montenegro and Serbia have likewise reported similar conditions, with torrential rains causing flooding in some areas and isolating villages.
This flooding marks one of the worst natural disasters in Bosnia since 2014 when more than 20 people lost their lives in similar conditions. As rescue operations are ongoing, the focus remains on finding those unaccounted for and providing aid to affected communities.
at least 14 people Floods from torrential rain kill several people across Jablanica, authorities say, while more are missing. A drone view shows a flooded residential area in Kiseljak, Bosnia and Herzegovina A drone view shows a flooded residential area in Kiseljak, Bosnia [Amel Emric/Reuters]
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