At least 15 people have been killed as heavy flooding and landslides ravage Bosnia and Herzegovina following a severe rainstorm overnight. Multiple areas, including the important road and railway connecting the capital Sarajevo with Mostar and the Adriatic Sea, are currently inaccessible due to debris and damage caused by the floodwaters.
Authorities have reported that several people are still missing, and rescue operations are ongoing with the help of the army and local volunteers. The Defence Minister of Bosnia, Zukan Helez, has stated that troops have been engaged to assist with rescue and recovery missions, with a primary focus on saving people trapped in landslides.
The most affected area appears to be Jablanica, where 14 people have been reported dead, with others in towns like Fojnica, Konjic, Kreševo, and Buturović polje also affected by the flooding. Aerial drone footage and social media videos have shown the extent of the devastation, with entire villages submerged underwater and roads destroyed.
The flooding has caused significant damage to infrastructure, with one of the main roads linking Sarajevo to Mostar being swept into the Neretva river alongside a railway line in a massive landslide. The civic protection service has warned that many people are endangered, with reports of victims, injuries, and missing persons.
Neighbouring countries like Croatia and Montenegro have also been affected by the torrential rains, leading to road closures and flooding. Authorities are urging residents to stay on the upper floors of their homes and avoid flooded streets. As the situation continues to unfold, efforts are being made to rescue those in need and assess the damage caused by the natural disaster.
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