Weather alert issued as BiH braces for heavy rain and flood risk

Following a red weather alert issued by the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, Sarajevo Canton Civil Protection authorities urged individuals, businesses and institutions to immediately take preventive measures to protect lives, property and cultural assets.

According to meteorological forecasts, heavy rainfall is expected between 6 a.m. on January 25 and 3 a.m. on January 26, affecting Herzegovina, central, southwestern and parts of Bosnia. Rainfall totals of 40 to 80 litres per square metre are expected.

Civil Protection officials warned that the combination of heavy rain, rising air temperatures and rapid snowmelt could significantly increase the risk of flooding, landslides and soil erosion, particularly in the Sarajevo Canton area.

Given the seriousness of the forecast, Civil Protection authorities called on all legal and natural persons to act in accordance with their legal obligations and ensure preparedness for potential emergencies. Municipal civil protection services in Sarajevo Canton have been instructed to continuously monitor high-risk areas and place organized rescue and protection units on standby as first responders.

Citizens were also reminded to report any observed danger immediately to the Cantonal Civil Protection Operational Centre via the emergency number 121, which operates 24 hours a day. Authorities advised the public to follow official warnings and instructions to reduce risks posed by severe weather.

Separately, the Agency for the Adriatic Sea River Basin issued a warning on Friday over the possible occurrence of flash and urban flooding. Due to forecast rainfall and additional snowmelt, water levels across the Adriatic basin are expected to rise in the coming days, potentially leading to river overflows.

The highest risk has been identified in the TMT floodplain area (Tihaljina–Mlade–Trebizat), the Vriostica River, and along the entire course of the Neretva River and its tributaries. The agency urged competent institutions to closely monitor developments and act in line with the Federal Flood Defence Operational Plan, while rescue services were advised to exercise heightened caution.

At the same time, the Agency for the Sava River Basin, based in Sarajevo, issued a notice forecasting extraordinary hydrological conditions from January 25 to January 27. Rising water levels are expected across much of the Sava River basin in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the upper catchments of the Vrbas and Bosna rivers.

Authorities warned of a potential risk of flash floods and urban flooding, especially in the upper Vrbas basin and the upper and middle Bosna basin, including the Lasva and Fojnica rivers. The warning applies to Central Bosnia Canton, Zenica-Doboj Canton and Sarajevo Canton.

Civil protection services have been instructed to warn residents against approaching riverbanks due to possible increases in water depth and flow speed, and to provide timely guidance on self-protection measures aimed at reducing flood damage.