Heavy rains cause flooding in central Bosnia, emergency measures activated

The heavy rainfall and increased water flow from Sarajevo Canton caused the Bosna River to overflow its banks in multiple locations, particularly affecting the Blatusa neighbourhood of Zenica where floodwaters submerged an underpass, cutting off one of the main access routes into the city from Doboj.

"Olovo Municipality has relocated all ground-floor documents and equipment to upper levels as a precaution," an on-duty official at the Zenica-Doboj Canton Civil Protection Operational Center confirmed. "One family has been evacuated as a preventive measure."

While no major material damage has been reported yet, authorities remain on high alert as the Federation (FBiH) entity Hydrometeorological Institute predicts the flood peak will hit the area tonight. Rainfall temporarily subsided in Zenica about an hour ago, but meteorologists warn the worst may still be coming.

Kakanj Municipality has preemptively declared a natural disaster status due to the Bosna River's rapid rise, which reached 420 cm at its peak - causing some overflows and traffic disruptions but no residential flooding.

Authorities emphasize no populations are currently at risk but urge riverside residents to remain vigilant and take basic protective measures. Alternative traffic routes have been established in Zenica, with detours via Radakovo and Zenica Jug exits while the Blatusa underpass remains submerged.

Emergency services continue gathering information from affected areas as water levels begin gradually receding, though officials warn the situation could change if new rainfall occurs.