Rescue efforts intensified in Bosnia-Herzegovina on October 6 with the arrival of international rescue crews, as authorities postponed scheduled elections in the areas hit hardest by the devastating flooding that killed at least 19 people.
Authorities declared a state of emergency following the October 4 floods, which left some villages completely cut off and forced many residents to dig out of the ruins caused by the disaster in the Balkan nation of some 3.2 million people.
Rescue teams from European Union countries were joining aid efforts and attempting to help locate those who were missing following the flash floods and landslides.
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Bosnia Struggles With Aftermath Of Deadly Floods
Luigi Soreca, who heads the EU mission in Bosnia, said on X that the bloc had activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (EUCPM) to help aid the country, which is not yet an EU member but aspires to become one.
“Response teams are arriving on site,” he wrote. “Solidarity in action!”
Montenegro, Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Turkey were among those that have either sent teams or offered help, the Bosnian government said.
Pope Francis expressed solidarity with flood victims during his Sunday prayers at in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
The pontiff declared that he was "close to the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina, who were affected by the floods."
"May the Lord welcome the deceased, comfort their families, and sustain these communities," he added.
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Deadly Floods Hit Bosnia Following Heavy Rain
In one of the hardest-hit areas, the Jablanica region southwest of the capital, Sarajevo, roads to and from the area were destroyed in the floods, with communications between Jablanica city and Mostar being established for emergency vehicles.
RFE/RL video showed ruins of rail lines, bridges and roads in the region.
Bosnian Security Minister Nenad Nesic visited the village of Donja Jablanica – where at least four people are believed to have died – and thanked rescue teams that are searching for the missing.
"In this difficult situation, the help provided and the solidarity expressed mean a lot to the people who lost almost everything in these floods, and unfortunately some of them lost their loved ones," Nesic said.
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Bosnians Eager For Improvements As They Elect Mayors, Local Councils
Local elections appeared to have taken a backseat to the flooding disaster, although balloting did take place in areas safe enough to conduct the vote.
More than 25,700 candidates were competing for seats in local legislatures and the voters were also to elect 142 mayors.