Bosnia and Herzegovina: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of the country, Oct. 4

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Oct. 4. A weather system has been bringing heavy rainfall to the region since Oct. 3, triggering flooding and landslides across many areas of the country, with central and southern regions worst affected. Authorities have reported at least 14 fatalities and an unconfirmed number of other people are missing in the municipality of Jablanica, which has been one of the hardest hit areas by the severe weather. Flooding and mudslides have cut off access to Jablanica, hampering response operations. The town of Kiseljak was also inundated after the Fojnica River burst its banks. Many other homes, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure have been damaged by flooding and landslides mainly across central parts of the country. Power outages have been reported in affected areas. The Federal Hydrometeorological Institute has warned of further scattered showers over the coming hours and days; although precipitation is not expected to be abundant, further downpours may hamper ongoing response and recovery efforts.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages could occur throughout the affected area.

Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.