Rescue efforts are underway in Bosnia as neighboring countries and European Union countries join forces to clear rubble and search for missing persons affected by devastating floods and landslides. The heavy rainstorm that hit Bosnia on Friday overnight has left entire areas underwater, destroyed roads and bridges, and claimed at least 18 lives, with dozens more injured. The country has sought help from the EU, following the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed solidarity with the people of Bosnia, stating, “Our hearts and thoughts are with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, hit by devastating floods. We have activated our EU Civil Protection Mechanism and are sending rescue teams on the ground. This is EU solidarity in action.”
A village in southern Bosnia, Donja Jablanica, has been almost completely buried in rocks and rubble from a quarry on a hill above, leaving many residents unaccounted for. Residents who witnessed the disaster described hearing a thundering rumble and watching houses disappear before their eyes. The EU has sent rescue teams to the area, with Croatian rescuers already on the ground, and teams from Serbia, Slovenia, and other European countries expected to arrive soon.
EU Sends Rescue Teams to Help Flood-Ravage Bosnia (Image via Getty)
Bosnia, a candidate country for EU membership, has been plagued by poverty, ethnic division, and political instability since the brutal war in 1992-95. The country’s EU bid has been stalled due to political bickering and corruption. The flooding, which has also overshadowed local elections scheduled for Sunday, has added to the country’s challenges.
As the rescue efforts continue, residents are left reeling from the disaster. Ismeta Bucalovic, a resident of Sarajevo, the capital, said, “We are all overwhelmed by these flooding events. We all think only about that.” The international community’s response to the disaster offers a glimmer of hope for the people of Bosnia as they strive to recover and rebuild.
