Severe flooding and landslides in Bosnia-Herzegovina have claimed the lives of at least 16 people, with the death toll expected to rise, as per civil defense officials. The floods, caused by heavy rainfall over the past 24 hours, have devastated the mountainous Jablanica region, burying houses and cutting off the town of Jablanica from the world.
What we know about the floods
The inter-ethnic presidency governing Bosnia has requested military aid for the affected area. With more bad weather forecasted, rescue efforts are hindered. The civil defense administration is prioritizing the search for missing persons, but blocked roads and upcoming rains pose challenges.
Flooding in Central Europe
Neighboring Croatia issued a flood warning as well. Scientists link these extreme weather events to manmade climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action to mitigate such disasters in the future.
The devastation and chaos caused by the floods highlight the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of climate-induced disasters.