Von der Leyen visits Donja Jablanica, expresses readiness to help flood-affected areas with EU funds

(Patria) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived today for a two-day visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Immediately after landing at Sarajevo Airport, she headed to Donja Jablanica to express solidarity with communities affected by recent catastrophic floods and landslides, reports BHRT.

Von der Leyen first flew over the affected area by helicopter, and then, accompanied by the Chairwoman of the Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Borjana Krišto, and representatives of the municipal and cantonal authorities, toured Donja Jablanica, a settlement south of Jablanica that suffered the greatest impact.

She was appalled by what she saw and expressed readiness to help rehabilitate the affected areas with funds from the EU Solidarity Fund.

After tomorrow's meeting with Borjana Krišto, it is expected to become known how much EU funds will help rehabilitate the municipalities affected by flash floods.

In Jablanica, 19 people lost their lives, 49 buildings were completely destroyed, 181 residential buildings were damaged, 12 businesses reported damage, and significant material damage was caused to road and water infrastructure.