Technisches Hilfswerk, a civil protection organization in Germany, announced a report about flooding in Balkans, with special emphasis on Bosnia-Herzegovina. Namely, they concluded that the meteorological conditions are improving in the region, as well as in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Local rainfall is still expected along with rising temperatures until midweek, where the temperatures will go up to 30°C.
Generally, they estimated that more than 40 people lost their lives in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and that over one million people are affected by flooding in Balkan region. Moreover, water levels are receding in many areas and the situation is remaining critical in certain areas.
In general, with information found till today, 30.000 people have been evacuated in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and more than 100.000 people remain without electricity.
Particularly, when speaking about situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, it can be concluded that more than 1.2 million people are affected by flooding and landslides, which makes up approximately 30 % of the population.
Areas of the city of Doboj in northern Bosnia were submerged by 4 m of water. Unfortunately, authorities recovered 20 bodies in Doboj on Sunday, 18 May.
City of Šamac was particularly affected by flood. Mayor Savo Mimic describes situation as “Total destruction. From the helicopter it looks like an ocean.”
Another problem which came out and on which authorities warn is a problem of exposed landmines. In addition, Bosnian authorities issued Typhoid and Hepatitis warning.
On the bright side, theInternational assistance is being provided by: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Croatia, Montenegro, France, FYR of Macedonia and Romania.
Also, it is worth of adding that the German Federal Foreign Office substantially finances THW operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
ST
