The Federal Civil Protection Administration (FUCZ) has issued a warning of possible flooding in one part of Bosnia and Herzegovina, following heavy snowfall. Due to heavy rainfall expected in the coming days in the entire Adriatic Sea basin, especially in the Trebižat basin, but also in other tributaries of the Neretva River, there is a possibility of local overflows of watercourses.
“According to new results from EFAS (European Flood Awareness System), and as a result of heavy rainfall, mainly rain, but also additional snowmelt, there is a possibility of the Neretva River and its tributaries in the upper and middle reaches, especially the tributaries in the area around Jablanica Lake, overflowing. The expected start of the event is January 5, with the expected peak of the water wave from January 5 to 7,” it is stated.
In this regard, it is still recommended to all competent civil protection bodies of lower levels of government, public companies, services and institutions to take certain measures.
“Placing all available civil protection forces and assets on high alert, including professional units and other protection and rescue services. Implementing preventive measures to protect people, residential and other facilities, infrastructure and material assets, in accordance with protection and rescue plans. Increased monitoring of watercourses, embankments, critical points and areas prone to floods and landslides, and timely informing the competent services and the population. Preparing machinery, equipment and personnel for possible emergency action and interventions. Continuous communication and coordination with the Federal Civil Protection Administration, as well as mutual exchange of information,” it is emphasized.
In particular, the Public Company Roads of the Federation of BiH is recommended to ensure constant passability of main and regional roads, readiness of winter service, machinery and gritting material, rapid response in case of traffic jams, landslides, snow drifts and other threats to traffic safety.
The agencies for the watersheds of the Sava River and the Adriatic Sea are called upon to intensify monitoring of the hydrological state, take measures within their jurisdiction to regulate and control water levels, and provide timely information on potential hazards and exceedances of critical levels.
“We emphasize that timely, coordinated and responsible action by all participants in the protection and rescue system is of utmost importance for the prevention, i.e. mitigation and reduction of the consequences of possible natural and other disasters. The Federal Civil Protection Administration will continue to monitor the development of the situation on the ground and, in accordance with its legal jurisdiction, take additional activities and measures as necessary,” the Federal Civil Protection Administration states.
