On Wednesday, the Agency for the Water Area of the Adriatic Sea issued a warning for the period of October 21 and 22 about the possibility of local spilling of small watercourses from the bed and the occurrence of torrents, which can be expected in the lower reaches of the Neretva River and in the area of the lower reaches of the TMT (Tihaljina – Mlade – Trebižat).
As a result of locally very heavy rainfall, which, according to the meteorological forecast of the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute (FHMZ), is expected in the area downstream of the Neretva River (especially in the middle and lower part of the basin) as well as in the area downstream of the TMT River (Tihaljina – Mlade – Trebižat), there is a possibility of local spilling of small watercourses from the bed and occurrence of torrents.
The aforementioned agency advises competent institutions to monitor the situation and act in accordance with their powers, adhering to the Federal Flood Defense Operational Plan, and recommends additional caution to services that implement protection measures, rescue of people and material goods.
Jablanica: Warning to citizens due to heavy rainfall
The Civil and Fire Protection Service of the Municipality of Jablanica has warned citizens of the danger of heavy rainfall expected in Herzegovina from October 21 at 9 a.m. to October 22 at 3 a.m.
According to a warning from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute of BiH, expected precipitation will generally range from 30 to 60 liters per square meter; however, in some local areas—specifically in the east, southeast, and north of Herzegovina—rainfall could reach 80 to 120 liters per square meter.
Heavy rainfall may cause a rapid rise in water levels, the overflowing of torrential streams, the occurrence of rockfalls and landslides, the flooding of buildings and roads, as well as disruptions to electricity and water supplies.
The Service specifically urges residents in areas previously affected by floods and landslides, as well as those living near watercourses, to exercise extra caution.
Citizens are advised—provided it is safe to do so—to clear drainage channels and culverts near their properties, secure any property or items that could be threatened by the rainfall and flash floods, and avoid traveling near watercourses or in areas prone to rockfalls and landslides.
Citizens are urged not to cross flooded roads or flash-flood watercourses, and to monitor updates from competent authorities and follow their instructions.
In the event of an emergency or any situation that could lead to a natural or other type of disaster, citizens are advised to notify the relevant services using the following phone numbers: Civil Protection and Firefighting Operations Center at 121 or 036 752 666; the Jablanica Professional Fire Department at 123 or 036 752 666; the Jablanica Police Station at 122 or 036 752 660; and Emergency Medical Services at 124 or 036 752 664.
Competent services are tasked with continuously monitoring the situation on the ground and providing timely reports to the responsible institutions to ensure coordinated action and the protection of the population, the Municipality of Jablanica stated.
City of Mostar issues warning regarding the potential for flash floods.
The Civil Protection and Firefighting Service of the City of Mostar announced that the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute (FHMZ) has issued a notice for Wednesday, October 21, regarding the possibility of floods, flash floods, and landslides within the Neretva River basin, and has urged all citizens to exercise caution. According to the FHMZ (Federal Hydrometeorological Institute), due to precipitation of locally very high intensity—particularly in the middle and lower reaches of the Neretva River basin—there is a risk that smaller watercourses may overflow their banks, potentially leading to flash floods. The City of Mostar states that these events are most likely to occur on October 21 and 22.
The Civil Protection and Firefighting Service of the City of Mostar has urged citizens to monitor weather forecasts and official updates from relevant authorities. Residents are advised to exercise extra caution near rivers, streams, canals, and other watercourses, as well as in areas prone to flooding.
Citizens are advised to remove items and equipment from low-lying areas of their yards or other spaces susceptible to flooding, and to relocate vehicles to safer areas if there is a risk of a flood.
They were also warned not to try to cross flooded roads and torrential streams, and in case of imminent danger, to move away from the threatened area and act according to the instructions of the competent services.
Citizens can report water spills, threats to buildings and other immediate dangers to the Operation Center of Civil Protection of the City of Mostar at number 121. The service will continue to monitor available information and the situation on the ground and, depending on the development of the situation, take measures within its jurisdiction.
“We ask citizens to act responsibly, follow official information and take preventive measures to protect their own safety and property,” the City of Mostar said.
