Bosnia mourns victims of deadly flash floods

Hundreds gathered in Jablanica, southern Bosnia-Herzegovina, to pay their respects and attend the burial of 19 villagers who lost their lives in recent flash floods and landslides. The victims were among at least 26 people who perished in severe weather events that devastated parts of central and southern Bosnia earlier this month.

The solemn ceremony took place at an Islamic cemetery, where coffins draped in green cloth were lined up for prayers before being taken to local cemeteries for burial. Husein Kavazovic, the grand mufti of the Bosnian Islamic Community, led a prayer service outside Jablanica Mosque, addressing the mourners with words of comfort and reflection on mortality.

The majority of the victims were from Donja Jablanica, a village that suffered extensive damage when heavy rains on October 4 triggered catastrophic flooding and landslides. The disaster demolished many houses, with piles of rocks, mud, and water sweeping through the village. Semir Jahic, a local Muslim cleric, noted that 18 members of his congregation had perished in the floods, highlighting the profound impact on the small community.

The floods affected a wider area, causing significant damage to infrastructure, submerging homes and businesses, and sweeping away livestock. Government officials attributed the high number of casualties in Donja Jablanica to the collapse of a nearby quarry.

In response to the disaster, rescue teams from neighboring countries assisted in search and recovery efforts. The European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism provided aid, including housing, generators, water pumps, and other essential equipment for displaced persons.

The scale of destruction is substantial, with at least 230 buildings destroyed in Jablanica alone. Preliminary estimates put the damage at around $28 million. The disaster has also severely impacted key transport infrastructure connecting central and southern Bosnia.