Residents and activists in central Bosnia have come together to clean up a lake in the aftermath of devastating floods that recently hit the region. The volunteers have been diligently removing debris and trash from the Lake Jablanica, which was heavily affected by the deadly floods and landslides that occurred more than two weeks ago.
Using boats and motor vehicles, the residents have been working to clear out plastics, wood, and various objects that were swept away by the raging floodwaters during the early October rainstorm. The tragedy claimed the lives of twenty-seven people, with nineteen fatalities occurring in the village of Donja Jablanica, where houses were buried under rocks from a hillside quarry unleashed by the floodwaters.
One volunteer, Ibro Besic from the nearby town of Jablanica, expressed his commitment to the clean-up effort, stating, “I was born at this lake, it’s normal that I’m here, helping. It would be shameful to just leave all this trash to float. We all want to come and swim here in the summer.” The local authorities have received assistance from neighbouring countries and the European Union, with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen planning to visit the affected areas during her upcoming trip to Bosnia.
In the wake of the disaster, schools in Jablanica are set to reopen, offering both in-person and online classes for students who may not feel prepared to return to physical classrooms due to the destruction of infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and the railway. The clean-up operation at Lake Jablanica has uncovered animal carcasses and various household appliances, including refrigerators and stoves, amidst the debris.
Haris Cosic, a member of the tourism industry in Jablanica, emphasised the ongoing nature of the clean-up effort, stating that they are prepared to continue until the lake is fully restored to its former condition. Describing the challenges faced during the operation, Cosic mentioned, “We are using quad bikes to pull out the heavy objects. It will take a lot of time, but I hope, we hope, that the operation will be successful.”
The residents’ determination and resilience in the face of adversity highlight the community spirit and solidarity that have been instrumental in the recovery process following the catastrophic floods. The restoration of Lake Jablanica serves as a symbol of hope and perseverance as the region works towards rebuilding and healing in the aftermath of the natural disaster.