Devastating Floods Kill 16 in Central Bosnia
At least 16 people have died and many more are missing after severe flooding wreaked havoc across central Bosnia and Herzegovina. The municipality of Jablanica took the hardest hit in the disaster.
Torrential Rains Trigger Landslides and Chaos
Heavy rain pounding the region for 24 hours sparked deadly landslides and caused widespread destruction. Homes, roads, and bridges were left in ruins across central Bosnia.
Jablanica, just 70 kilometres southwest of Sarajevo, has been completely cut off after road and railway links were destroyed. Local spokesman Darko Jukan confirmed 14 fatalities in and around the town, with two more deaths confirmed later.
Worst Flooding Since 2014 Causes Havoc
Whole houses were swept away in landslides, marking the worst flooding Bosnia has seen since 2014, when more than 20 people died. In Kiseljak, a river burst its banks, flooding homes and businesses. Although water levels started to fall by Friday afternoon, the damage is expected to be severe.
Military and EU Forces Join Rescue Efforts
The cantonal government has called in the military to support Jablanica’s rescue operations. Engineers, rescue teams, and a helicopter were deployed, while the European Union peacekeeping force (EUFOR) helped evacuate several injured by air.
Among the successful rescues, 17 patients were evacuated safely from a local mental health hospital. Authorities urge residents to stay alert and follow safety advice as the full extent of damage and the death toll remains uncertain.
