Bosnia: At least 16 people killed after storm causes floods and landslides

At least 16 people have been killed after a storm hit Bosnia, causing floods and landslides.

A severe rainstorm struck overnight, flooding several towns and villages in central and southern parts of the country.

“We still don’t know the final death toll,” Darko Juka, a spokesman for a local administration said after confirming the dead were mostly found in and around the town of Jablanica.

“Those are the ones who have been discovered by rescuers,” he continued, adding: “I don’t remember such a crisis since the [1992-95] war. The scale of this chaotic situation is harrowing.”

Rescue services in parts of the country reported several people missing and called on the army and volunteers to help as roads were closed and houses left without power.

Defence minister Zukan Helez told N1 regional TV that soldiers had been sent to help and that deaths had been reported.

He said: “Hour after hour we are receiving news about new victims … we sent everyone we could.

“Our first priority is to save the people who are alive and buried in houses where the landslides are.”

A pregnant woman lost her baby after being rescued from the floods and was rushed to hospital in the Mostar area, where she was said to be fighting for her life.

Jablanica was one of the worst-hit areas, along with Kiseljak, and was left without power or signal, as the local fire station said it was inaccessible due to blocked roads and shut trainlines.

They also urged people not to venture out into flooded streets.

Human-induced climate change increases the intensity of extreme weather events like severe rainfall.

This summer the Balkans were hit by prolonged record heat, causing a drought, which scientists said hampered the absorption of floodwaters.

Drone footage on Bosnian media shows towns and villages completely submerged under water as videos on social media show muddy torrents of water and damaged roads.

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“Many people are endangered because of big waters and landslides. There is information about victims and many injured and missing persons,” said the civic protection service.

People were urged to stay on upper floors as reports said surging water swept away cars.

Heavy rain and wind was also reported in neighbouring Croatia where the capital Zagreb prepared for the swollen Sava River to burst its banks.

Floods caused by torrential rains were also reported in Montenegro, south of Bosnia, where some villages were cut off and roads and homes flooded.