In a tragic turn of events, Bosnia and Herzegovina has been grappling with the aftermath of severe floods and landslides that struck the country three days ago. The death toll has risen to at least 20, with rescue efforts ongoing in affected areas.
The southwestern Herzegovina-Neretva canton bore the brunt of what officials are calling the country's deadliest floods in years. Authorities confirmed 16 fatalities and nine individuals still missing in this region. Meanwhile, the central Bosnia canton reported three deaths, with no missing persons.
International assistance has arrived from neighboring Croatia and Slovenia, with search dogs aiding in the rescue operations. In the village of Buturovic Polje near Konjic, rescuers recovered a man's body from a lake and successfully evacuated two individuals by helicopter.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, a country in Southeastern Europe with a population of about 3.3 million, has a complex political structure and a history marked by conflict. The nation gained independence from Yugoslavia in 1992 and endured a devastating war from 1992 to 1995. Today, it faces numerous challenges, including natural disasters exacerbated by climate change and human activities.
The recent floods have caused significant damage to infrastructure and personal property. The main road connecting central and southern Bosnia has been cut off, while the railway line to the Croatian port of Ploce has sustained heavy damage, posing problems for exporting companies. This situation highlights the country's ongoing struggles with infrastructure development and maintenance.
"It (the flood) took everything away, my tools, a car, nothing is left. Thanks God, the family remained."
Experts attribute the severity of these floods to a combination of factors. Years of neglect of river beds, deforestation, and uncontrolled construction have aggravated the impact of climate change. Bosnia and Herzegovina's diverse ecosystem, which includes numerous endemic species, has been under threat from these environmental issues.
The country's terrain, mostly mountainous with some coastal areas, contributes to its vulnerability to floods and landslides. The Neretva River, one of the main rivers in Bosnia and Herzegovina, plays a significant role in the region's hydrology and has been affected by these recent events.
As rescue efforts continue, the government has formed a crisis team to assess the health situation, damages, and recovery plans. This disaster underscores the importance of Bosnia and Herzegovina's ongoing work to improve disaster preparedness and implement environmental protection measures.
The floods serve as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Bosnia and Herzegovina as it strives for economic development and European Union membership. The country has been implementing reforms to attract foreign investment and boost sectors such as agriculture and tourism, which have been growing in recent years.
As the nation comes to terms with this tragedy, the resilience of its people and the support from neighboring countries demonstrate the strength of regional cooperation in times of crisis.