Bosnia and Herzegovina: Floods - May 2023

The northwestern area of Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced extensive and intense rainfall, leading to swelling of the Una and Sana rivers, along with their tributaries, and causing widespread flooding in the region. The rainfall on 14 - 15 May exceeded forecasts and triggered a flood wave. [...] The situation further worsened on the night of 15 - 16 May, with an additional rainfall of about 40mm, spreading the flood wave across the wider area. The rising water levels of the Una and Sana rivers, along with their tributaries, caused flooding that had already impacted the population of the northwestern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina on 15 May. [...] The flood, which impacted the territories of 12 municipalities in the northwestern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina, directly affected 887 households. These households experienced substantial damage to residential properties and essential infrastructure required for daily activities and the livelihoods of the local population. Moreover, numerous crops and agricultural land, which serve as a primary source of income for a significant portion of the affected population, were destroyed. [...] Over 40 residents were placed in life-threatening situations, and more than 10 households had to be displaced. Additionally, hundreds of homes were subjected to significant levels of humidity during the water surge, posing a health risk to the population in the coming period. (IFRC, 31 May 2023)