At least 14 people have lost their lives in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday as the worst floods in years wreaked havoc across the central regions of the country. Torrential rains and subsequent landslides have not only claimed lives but also left many others missing, according to officials.
The relentless downpour destroyed homes, roads, and bridges, effectively cutting off communities and causing widespread devastation. Emergency services have been working tirelessly to rescue those stranded and to search for the missing amidst challenging conditions.
“The situation is catastrophic. Entire villages are underwater, and the infrastructure has been severely damaged,” said a government official. “We are doing everything we can to assist those affected and to prevent further loss of life.”
Residents in the hardest-hit areas have been urged to evacuate to safer grounds as weather forecasts predict continued rainfall in the coming days. Relief efforts are being coordinated by national and local authorities, but access to some regions remains difficult due to damaged roads and bridges.
The international community has started to respond, with neighboring countries offering assistance and support. The full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed, but the immediate focus remains on rescue operations and providing shelter to those displaced by the floods.
This disaster comes as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, prompting discussions about the need for improved infrastructure and disaster preparedness in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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At least 14 dead in worst Bosnian floods in years, officials say
cgtn.com