At least 16 people have died and many others are missing after severe flooding struck central Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the municipality of Jablanica bearing the brunt of the disaster.
Torrential rains over a 24-hour period triggered landslides and caused widespread destruction to homes, roads, and bridges across the region.
Jablanica, located about 70 kilometres southwest of Sarajevo, has been completely cut off due to the destruction of road and railway links. Darko Jukan, a spokesman for the local administration, confirmed that at least 14 people died in and around the southern town, with officials later confirming two additional fatalities.
Some houses were destroyed by landslides in what appears to be Bosnia’s worst flooding since at least 2014, when more than 20 people lost their lives.
In the town of Kiseljak, central Bosnia, a river burst its banks, inundating businesses and homes. Although water levels had begun to recede by Friday afternoon, the damage is expected to be significant.
The cantonal government has requested military assistance for the wider Jablanica area. In response, engineers, rescue units, and a helicopter have been deployed. The European Union peacekeeping force (EUFOR) has also provided support, evacuating several injured individuals by helicopter.
Among the rescue efforts, 17 people were safely evacuated from a mental health hospital in the affected area.
As emergency services continue their work, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions. The full extent of the damage and the final death toll remains unclear as the situation continues to develop.
