Difficult situation in Serbia and Bosnia following floods

VIENNA - The Austrian humanitarian organisation Caritas said on Tuesday the situation in the areas of Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina hit by the May floods was difficult.

The situation in the flood-hit areas is still very difficult and the weather is not allowing people respite, Caritas President Michael Landau stressed in comment to new floods and rainfall.

There is apprehension about the coming winter in some parts of Bosnia, especially arund Brcko, Doboj and Banja Luka, because the consequences of the floods are a great financial burden, he noted.

The damage from the floods in Bosnia is estimated at around EUR 2 billion, while for Serbia those estimates are at EUR 1.5 billion, he pointed out.

Caritas used donations from Austria to help Serbia and Bosnia with EUR 1 million each and it will send another EUR 3 million as aid for the upcoming rehabilitation stage, the statement says.

Caritas will focus on select projects in Sabac (northwestern Serbia) and areas in Banja Luka and Orasje (Bosnia-Herzegovina) as part of an international plan for reconstruction.

Caritas will help to repair homes and restore agricultural production. It will also provide aid in food and heating for those families who need it.