Death Toll Rises in Flood-Stricken Bosnia

Unconfirmed reports say at least 30 people have died in the devastating floods that have hit Bosnia. Most perished in unexpected flash floods and sudden landslides that have marooned towns and left thousands homeless.

Samac, Orasje, Brcko and Bijeljina in the north and east remain virtually under water after a tidal wave of flood water surged nothwards from central Bosnia towards the river Sava.

The torrential rainfall has also devastated Olovo, Maglaj, Zavidovici, Doboj, Sanski Most and many other places, as the rivers Drina, Bosna, Vrbas, Una and Sana overflowed.

Although the rain halted more or less at the weekend, the waters of these rivers have continued to rise, which is why the flood zone has continued to widen.

Hundreds of landslides were reported after the floods started receding, destroying thousands of homes and other facilities, and covering others in thick mud and dirt.

  Photo AP/ Amel Emric

Citizens of Brcko, Samac and other places near the banks of Sava were evacuated on Sunday after thousands already left their homes in Bijeljina and elsewhere.

As the embankments of the Sava continue to overflow in several places, the floods could yet worsen even if the skies remain clear.

Anto Domic, the mayor of Brcko, said the broken embankments in the nearby town of Orasje threatened to cause more floods in his area.

Landslides were reported around Sarajevo, Zenica, Olovo, Tuzla, Zvornik and Bratunac, prompting thousands to pack and leave for the homes of family and friends, or for organized collective shelters.

The situation has, however, reportedly eased in Maglaj, Olovo and Sanski Most, which were flooded last week. There, local people have started cleaning up the metres-deep...