International rescue teams have arrived in Bosnia following devastating floods and landslides that have wreaked havoc on the Balkan country. Neighbouring countries and European Union nations are combining forces to clear debris and locate missing individuals affected by the natural disasters.
Bosnia requested assistance from the EU after heavy rainfall caused extensive flooding and landslides, resulting in entire areas being submerged and infrastructure being destroyed. At least 18 people have been reported dead, with dozens more injured. Efforts are ongoing to locate 10 individuals who remain unaccounted for, particularly in the village of Donja Jablanica, where homes were engulfed by rocks and rubble from a nearby quarry.
Luigi Soreca, leading the EU mission in Bosnia, affirmed the EU’s solidarity with the country and confirmed the deployment of teams to provide aid. Numerous countries have offered their support, with Croatian rescuers already on the ground, and teams from Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Czechia, and Turkey set to join the operations.
Despite the current crisis, today marks the local election day in Bosnia. Election authorities have postponed voting in the affected regions, as the floods have overshadowed the electoral process throughout the country. The floods have evoked a sense of overwhelm among residents, including Ismeta Bucalovic from Sarajevo, who expressed that the flooding events have consumed their thoughts.
Bosnia, scarred by a devastating war in the 1990s, continues to face challenges in its recovery, compounded by political discord and corruption, hindering its EU membership aspirations. The outpouring of international solidarity and assistance during this trying time underscores the importance of collective support in times of crisis.