Devastating Floods Strike Bosnia: Communities Cut Off Amid Destruction

Central and southern Bosnia have been severely impacted by torrential rain, causing flash floods and landslides. The municipality of Jablanica is entirely cut off with five feared dead. Authorities are actively responding, including evacuations. Neighboring Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia have also issued severe weather warnings.

Central and southern Bosnia faced severe havoc on Friday as torrential rain triggered flash floods and landslides. Authorities fear five people may have lost their lives in the municipality of Jablanica, a region now isolated due to flood damage to roads and railways.

Majda Kovac, spokesperson for the civil protection office of the Bosniak-Croat federation, disclosed that according to unofficial information, fatalities occurred in the floods. Bosnia's Defence Minister, Zukan Helez, reported that the airforce was called in to assist with evacuations, including the safe removal of a child from the affected area.

Roads leading to Jablanica remain blocked, and authorities have initiated evacuations, including 17 individuals from a mental health facility. In Kiseljak, floodwaters receded by midday on Friday, leaving residents with the task of clearing mud and debris. Simultaneously, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia have issued severe weather warnings as the storm front threatens the broader Balkan region.

(With inputs from agencies.)