Severe weather conditions have taken a tragic toll in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with reports confirming the deaths of at least five people in the aftermath of relentless rainfall that hit the regions of Jablanica and Konjic in the past 24 hours. Widespread flooding, landslides, and blocked roads have left large parts of the country in disarray, and authorities are now engaged in rescue operations to aid the many injured and missing.
The torrential rains, which have caused rivers to swell and triggered landslides, have significantly disrupted life in the municipalities of Jablanica and Konjic. According to reports from the Federation entity's Civil Protection Administration (FUCZ), numerous citizens have been forced to evacuate as floodwaters entered homes, damaging properties and cutting off several critical roads. The Jablanica-Mostar, Jablanica-Risovac, Jablanica-Prozor, and Jablanica-Konjic routes have all been blocked, complicating rescue efforts.
“Due to the severe floods and landslides, many lives are at risk, with reports of casualties and numerous injured and missing individuals,” FUCZ stated. In Buturovic Polje, a landslide severed the local road, while the village of Ostrožac saw its railway tracks destroyed by the mudslides.
Desperate calls for assistance
Despite the deployment of firefighters, police, and local utility companies, the situation remains dire. Private companies have joined in with heavy machinery, but additional resources are needed. “We require more assistance to control the situation and mitigate the consequences of the storm and heavy rains,” said local officials, urging for more support.
In addition to Jablanica and Konjic, Fojnica has also been heavily impacted by the severe weather. The area, along with Kiseljak, has been overwhelmed by floods, leading to school closures and widespread disruption.
Multiple fatalities and missing Persons
Reports from local citizens suggest that the storm, which brought heavy rain and violent winds, resulted in several fatalities. According to Ljudevit Maric, spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton (HNK), authorities are verifying these claims. In the worst-hit areas, roads have been completely closed, including the main Konjic-Jablanica-Mostar highway, where landslides have made the road impassable.
Dramatic footage has emerged from Jablanica, showing the town cut off from the rest of the region, with no mobile signal and active landslides threatening further destruction. One video shows a landslide sweeping away a road and damaging the railway lines, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Local authorities respond amid rising concerns
Kresevo is another town facing significant challenges. The mayor, Renato Pejak, described the situation as critical, with entire villages now cut off from the rest of the municipality. “We are literally fighting to save lives. Our teams have been on the ground all night, focusing on rescuing people. We will assess the damage later,” Pejak stated.
Pejak further warned citizens to remain indoors, stressing that while the damage to infrastructure is significant, the priority is safeguarding human life. Roads in and out of Kreševo, including routes to Kiseljak and villages like Bjelovići and Crnići, are blocked, and a landslide threatens to isolate Vranici and Kojsina.
Helicopters Deployed to Aid Evacuation Efforts
The situation in Jablanica has become so critical that the Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) has deployed helicopters to assist in rescue operations. Minister Zukan Helez confirmed that a helicopter from EUFOR was already on-site and had successfully rescued a child from the rubble. “I issued orders early this morning to deploy our forces to help civilians and protect property in the affected areas. Our armed forces are always ready to assist,” Helez said.
The Federation entity's Civil Protection Agency has requested heavy machinery and engineering units from the BiH Armed Forces to help clear roads and access remote areas. According to Majda Kovač, the agency's spokesperson, they are in constant communication with FBiH and Cantonal Ministries of Civil Protection, coordinating efforts to bring in helicopters and conduct medical evacuations.
Apocalyptic scenes in Fojnica
In the village of Gojevici near Fojnica, residents have described scenes reminiscent of disaster films. Flash floods swept through the area, inundating homes, fields, and roads. Many villagers had only minutes to flee their homes, with some residents narrowly escaping the rising waters. Those living near the river managed to evacuate to houses on higher ground.
Eyewitnesses shared chilling stories of the water quickly rising to waist level, flooding the first floors of homes and washing away livestock and vehicles. Electricity, water, and internet services have been cut off, leaving the community in total isolation. “We are waiting for the firefighters to reach us so they can carry out evacuations,” a local woman reported.
Unconfirmed reports of additional deaths
As the situation unfolds, the death toll may continue to rise. Unconfirmed reports suggest that up to five people have lost their lives due to the catastrophic weather in Jablanica. These figures are still being verified, and further updates are expected as rescue teams reach more affected areas.
The full extent of the damage and loss of life will likely take days to assess, but the impact of these floods on the region is already clear. Authorities are urging citizens to remain in their homes, stay safe, and heed the warnings of local rescue services as they work tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
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