NO RESPONSIBILITY BiH marks one year since catastrophic floods: 27 lives lost

(Patria) - Bosnia and Herzegovina today marks the first anniversary of one of the biggest natural disasters in recent history – floods and landslides that hit Jablanica, Konjic and parts of central Bosnia last year, claiming 27 lives and leaving thousands of families homeless.

On the night of October 3-4, 2024, nature showed its destructive power: rivers swelled, the ground moved, entire settlements were cut off, and people lost homes they had built for decades in just a few hours. The most victims were in Jablanica – 19, in Konjic five, while three people died in Fojnica.

Commemorations and laying of flowers will be held today at the sites of the tragedy. Survivors, victims' families, and government representatives will remember the darkest moments together, but also send a message that the tragedy must not be forgotten.

Many residents still live in temporary shelters, awaiting reconstruction and systemic solutions. Experts warn that such disasters, under the influence of climate change, can occur more frequently and with greater devastation, and that institutions must have a faster and more organized response.

The first anniversary of the tragedy is an opportunity to pay tribute to the lost lives, but also to remind ourselves how important unity and solidarity are in moments when nature shows its worst side.