Rescue teams from neighboring countries and European Union member states are converging on Bosnia to provide assistance after the devastating floods and landslides that ravaged parts of the Balkan country. The sudden downpour of heavy rain on Friday night left a trail of destruction, killing at least 18 people and injuring dozens, and has displaced thousands. The European Commission has activated its EU Civil Protection Mechanism, dispatching rescue teams to the affected areas, with support from Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Turkey. The village of Donja Jablanica, in southern Bosnia, was particularly hard hit, with entire buildings buried under rocks and rubble from a nearby quarry. At least 10 people remain unaccounted for, with many feared trapped under the debris. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has expressed condolences to the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and emphasized the EU’s commitment to helping the country recover from this devastating disaster.
European Union Rushes to Bosnia’s Aid After Devastating Floods (Image via Getty)
As the country struggles to respond to the disaster, the floods have also disrupted preparations for local elections, which were scheduled for Sunday. The election authorities have postponed voting in the affected regions, but the flooding has overshadowed the election campaign across the country. Residents of Sarajevo, the capital, are reeling from the impact of the floods, which has left many feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their future. Bosnia has a long history of struggling to recover from the devastation of the 1992-1995 war, which left the country impoverished and ethnically divided. The country has since been plagued by political bickering and corruption, which has stalled its efforts to join the European Union. Despite these challenges, the outpouring of support from neighboring countries and the EU is a testament to the strength of international cooperation during times of crisis.
The European Union’s response to the disaster is a clear demonstration of its commitment to helping its candidate countries recover from natural disasters and build stronger, more resilient communities. The aid package sent by the EU is a significant gesture of support, and represents a critical step towards rebuilding and recovery in Bosnia. As the country begins to pick up the pieces, the international community is rallying around Bosnia, offering a helping hand to a nation in need.
