Search continues for missing in deadly Bosnia floods

by AFP AFP
0 comments

Search

The search for dozens of 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 (43 miles) 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.

Rescuers search for survivors in flooded houses after torrential rains hit village of Jablanica in Bosnia
Rescuers search for survivors in flooded houses after torrential rains hit village of Jablanica in Bosnia © ELVIS BARUKCIC / AFP

Rescue teams with search dogs are combing the area for the missing and those possibly trapped, said an AFP journalist at the scene.

A man clears debris left by the floods in Jablanica
A man clears debris left by the floods in Jablanica © ELVIS BARUKCIC / AFP

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 of the Muslim-Croat Federation, one of two entities making up Bosnia, along with Republika Srpska, 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.

Region on alert

Bosnia’s election commission postponed local elections in municipalities affected by the floods. Voting will proceed as scheduled in other areas.

The rain flooded towns and triggered landslides
The rain flooded towns and triggered landslides © ELVIS BARUKCIC / AFP

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.

Floods have also hit Montenegro, washing away roads and cutting off the village of Komarnica, with the Moraca River in Podgorica rising significantly.

Water levels are rising in some Croatian rivers, and the government in Zagreb has warned of potential flooding in parts of Karlovac, a city near the Kupa River.

Scientists warn that climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent.

Torrential rains and strong winds led to widespread flooding in central and eastern Europe last month, killing at least 24 people and devastating towns and villages.

AFP


Central News Weekly Edition 075 | Download the Latest weekly Edition| Top Story: “EFF Demands Justice After Armed Intruders Target Gauteng Chairperson Nkuleko Dunga”

Download Here:

Screenshot 2024 10 04 at 13 45 08 Central News Issue 075 1.pdf 1
Central News Weekly Edition 075 | Download the Latest weekly Edition| Top Story: “EFF Demands Justice After Armed Intruders Target Gauteng Chairperson Nkuleko Dunga”

Read all our publications on magzter:

https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues

________________________

 Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content,  Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.

We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.

Advertisement:

To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za

For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za

Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za

General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za

Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za

Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487

Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za

Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : LinkedinFacebookTiktokTwitterInstagramYoutube

#centralnewsza #freestate

Related Articles

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept