Slovenia: Floods - Aug 2023

On 3-4 August, severe weather with heavy rain affected western, northern, eastern and central parts of the country, causing severe flooding and landslides. Some areas were inaccessible and necessary evacuations of residents took place. Slovenian Environment Agency (ARSO) has issued a red weather alert and the national emergency response plan for floods has been activated. The national authorities confirmed one person died. On 5 August, severe weather conditions continued to affect the country. Heaviest precipitation was reported mainly in the foothills of the Julian Alps and along the line of the Zidanško–Idrija region, through Gorenjska towards Koroška and the Upper Savinjska region. The Savinja Valley, Gorenjska and Koroška regions were severely affected, as a bridge on the main transport road was swept away and many state roads remain closed due to the flooding. During the day and overnight the precipitation moved to the south-east of Slovenia towards Kočevje, Kolpa and Bela Krajina region, where highest risk levels were declared. On 6 August severe weather conditions persisted in Slovenia with rivers still overflowing across the country. The Sava River flooded heavily. Drava River was stabilised in the upper reaches and was moderated in the lower reaches. Mura river in Gornja Radgona was stabilised. It was reported that embankment on Mura river near settlement Krapje Verzej was breached. The Krka river overflowed in some areas. Problematic areas concerned the Sava and Krka rivers confluence around Krška Vas. The water level of Drava river slowly receded. Its flow, including from the Austrian side, was under control. A similar pattern was also observed for Mura river. On 7 August, the situation in Slovenia has slightly improved, however the situation remained critical since some rivers were still overflowing across the country. The heavy rainfall caused widespread damage leading to the collapse of at least seven main and regional bridges and mainly impacted roads and the energy infrastructure. Many more local bridges were damaged. On 8 August access to remote areas and areas affected by landslides still remained difficult. Approximately two-thirds of Slovenia's territory is currently grappling with the aftermath of flash floods, torrential rain, and hailstorm, with 181 municipalities affected out of the total of 212. In total, 8,000 people have been evacuated to their relatives or other accommodation facilities, and six people have lost their lives as a consequence of the disaster. Heavily affected regions include Upper Carniola, Central Slovenia, Koroška region, as well as Savinjska region. [...] In the most affected areas, communication is disrupted and there is severe damage to infrastructure. Over 170 landslides are active, posing a continued threat to homes, infrastructure, and electricity. [...] On 11 August, the Ministry of Defense reported that by their first estimates more than 400 buildings (some including multiple housing units) were completely destroyed or declared uninhabitable. The loss of assets, homes and businesses, livestock, crops and infrastructure will affect job security and livelihoods in the mid-to long term. Because of the continuous threat of landslides, it is expected that more households will become in need of long-term shelter and basic needs support during the upcoming months. (IFRC, 17 Aug 2023)