Federation of BiH remains under increased surveillance due to snow and hydrometeorological risks

(Patria) - Competent institutions at all levels of government in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to monitor the hydrometeorological situation, given that according to forecasts from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, snowfall is expected in the Federation of BiH in the coming period, which could cause
problems in functioning, and that rapid snowmelt could trigger flash floods and landslides.

In this context, cantonal and municipal, i.e., city civil protection services are obliged to continuously visit and monitor the most vulnerable areas exposed to snowfall, floods, and landslides, and, if they have not done so already, to put their organized protection and rescue forces on standby, including
protection and rescue services and specialized civil protection units.

The goal is for these forces to be ready as a first response in accordance with their competencies, obligations, and applicable protection and rescue plans, and to react in a timely manner to potential dangers in order to protect people and material assets in the area of cantons, municipalities, and cities.

Federal specialized civil protection units remain on standby in case their engagement is needed, i.e., for a rapid response in the field. Special emphasis is placed on the Federal Specialized Unit for Water Rescue, as well as the Federal Specialized Unit for Water Pumping with High-Capacity Pumps.

Following the precipitation recorded in the period of January 5/6, 2026, and due to the melting of the snow cover, the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, based on available meteorological and hydrological forecasts, as well as available platforms, including EFAS, submitted a Notice on possible torrents and landslides in the area of
the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The expected peak of the water wave is forecast for January 7, 2026.

According to further forecasts from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, watercourses will mostly be in a stagnation phase. Precipitation will continue to be present, but there are currently no indications of a significant deterioration of the hydrometeorological situation. Data from competent institutions show that the most complex situation continues to be recorded on the watercourses of the Trebižat, Buna, and Bunica rivers, where increased surveillance and monitoring of the situation in the field continues.