Two Dead As Severe Flooding Hits Serbia, Bosnia

At least two people have died as high winds and powerful rains hit parts of the Balkans, causing floods in areas of Serbia and Bosnia.

A state of emergency was declared in Serbia on May 15 after storms tore through large areas of the country, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of people.

Firefighters said one woman drowned in a Belgrade suburb after refusing to be evacuated from her home.

A firefighter drowned during a rescue operation in central Serbia.

Officials in Belgrade ordered schools closed May 15-16 in response to the threat of further flooding.

In Bosnia, the situation was the same as rivers overflowed their banks and officials ordered mass evacuations, particularly along the Miljacka River, which also runs through Sarajevo.

Roads have been blocked in both countries, complicating efforts to bring relief to affected areas.
Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and dpa