Serbia: Government declares state of emergency following flooding on June 23

Event

The Serbian government declared a state of emergency in 12 municipalities in the west and southwest of the country on Tuesday, June 23, following several days of torrential rain and flooding. Local states of emergency were declared in the municipalities of Mali Zvornik, Krupanj, Osecina, Mionica, Lucani, Ljubovija, Kosjeric, Guca, Ivanjica, and Arilje, as well as the cities of Kraljevo and Loznica. The worst of the flooding occurred along the Ljubovida river, with hundreds of properties in Krupanj, Kosjeric, Lucani, and Ljubovija being inundated after the river burst its banks. Flooding from the Jadar River is also reported to have caused significant damage in Osecina, while the river Ibar overflowed in the central city of Kraljevo, damaging a number of vessels and bridges. Smaller rivers were also reported to have swelled in more rural areas, damaging roads and bringing down power lines.

Emergency crews have been deployed across flood-affected areas for response and recovery operations and rainfall is expected to subside on Wednesday, June 24. However, residual disruptions are likely across the west and southwest of the country in the near term.  

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.