Bosnia-Herzegovina: Heavy rain and flooding across country as of May 14

Event

Heavy rain and flooding have been reported in Bosnia-Herzegovina in recent days as of Tuesday, May 14, as officials declared an emergency across central and northwestern parts of the country. Flooding and consequent landslides have obstructed roads and disrupted electricity and water distribution in several villages. The military has been deployed to Prijedor and surrounding villages due to flooding along the Sana River, while at least one person is missing in the central town of Žepče. At least 15 residents of Kotor Varoš have been relocated due to flooding. 

Heavy rains are forecast to subside and river levels in major rivers to stabilize over the coming days. 

Lingering transportation disruptions are possible in affected areas over the near term.  

Advice

Individuals in Bosnia-Herzegovina are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate lingering flooding and transportation disruptions, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.