Severe flooding in Bosnia and Herzegovina has triggered a significant humanitarian and infrastructure crisis, with 14 confirmed fatalities and numerous reports of missing persons. Darko Juka, head of the Public Relations Department of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton government, described the situation as unprecedented since the war, stating, "The scale of this chaotic situation is terrifying."
The most critical area is Donja Jablanica, which is completely isolated due to destroyed roads and several bridges on the Drežanka River, complicating access to those in need and the delivery of supplies.
The Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina has decided to deploy the Armed Forces to Jablanica, which has been severely affected by the flooding following heavy rainfall. The decision was made unanimously during an extraordinary session.
The Ministry of Security has requested military assistance and helicopters for the flooded areas, and a request has been sent to EUFOR for helicopter support for medical evacuations, including the urgent transport of a severely injured child from Jablanica.
In addition to Jablanica, the wider area of Konjic is also isolated. Evacuations are being carried out using boats by the Armed Forces, Civil Protection, local fishing clubs, and mountain rescue services. All available resources, including police and the Red Cross, are currently engaged on the ground, with neighboring cantons and municipalities offering assistance.
Juka has urged citizens not to travel to Jablanica and Konjic from any direction due to extremely dangerous conditions caused by damaged roads and unpredictable weather. Police checkpoints have been established to control vehicle access and ensure public safety.
Reports indicate several critical situations requiring urgent evacuations, including a pregnant woman and a severely injured man, both transported by helicopter to a medical facility in Mostar.
Infrastructure has sustained severe damage across many parts of the canton. In the area of Rama and near Komadinovo vrelo, several road sections have completely collapsed, further complicating the delivery of aid and emergency materials. Electric utilities are monitoring the situation to prevent potential overloads in the power supply system.
Forecasts for bad weather this weekend are expected to exacerbate the situation, with new rainfall predicted. Juka has warned residents to remain in safe zones and avoid unnecessary outings.
Kiseljak, another affected area, is experiencing a slight decrease in water levels, but the damage is extensive. Many homes are flooded, and road infrastructure has been destroyed. Residents are trying to remove water from their homes, with damage assessments still pending.
Besides Jablanica and Kiseljak, areas such as Visoko, Fojnica, Kreševo, and Hadžići have also been impacted. The most severe situation remains in Jablanica, where unconfirmed reports suggest that the death toll may exceed ten.
Images from the scene show houses covered in mud, with torrents engulfing roads and bridges. In Donja Jablanica, floodwaters have reached the ground floor of a mosque, and in many areas, water has reached the roofs of houses. Dramatic scenes have been reported from roads that have completely vanished under mud.
According to reports, road conditions continue to deteriorate. The Bosnia and Herzegovina Auto-Moto Club has warned drivers to exercise extreme caution or avoid traveling to affected areas. The government of the Herzegovina-Neretva Canton has also urged citizens not to travel to Jablanica and Konjic until the situation stabilizes.
Authorities have requested assistance from higher levels of government, including the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Efforts are underway to activate helicopters for the rescue of the endangered child in Jablanica.
The extent of the disaster is becoming increasingly clear as new reports come in, and residents of the affected areas are facing a long struggle for recovery from these severe consequences.