Funeral held in Southern Bosnia for 19 flood victims
- Torrential rains and winds struck four municipalities in central and southern Bosnia on October 4, leading to devastating floods and landslides.
- Nineteen victims from the village of Donja Jablanica were honored in a funeral service led by Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic, with hundreds of mourners in attendance.
- The tragedy highlights the increasing impact of climate change on weather patterns in the region, prompting international aid responses.
On October 4, 2024, southern Bosnia experienced catastrophic floods and landslides due to torrential rains and strong winds, affecting four municipalities. The sudden onset of these natural disasters caught many residents off guard, resulting in widespread destruction. Reports indicate that at least 26 individuals lost their lives, with one person still missing. The village of Donja Jablanica was particularly hard-hit, where entire homes were demolished, and many families suffered the loss of multiple members. In the aftermath, a funeral service was held for the 19 victims from Donja Jablanica, attended by hundreds of mourners. The service took place outside the Jablanica Mosque, led by Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic, who addressed the grieving community. His remarks emphasized the deep sorrow felt by the families and the acceptance of divine will in the face of such tragedy. The floods have drawn attention to the broader implications of climate change, which scientists argue is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This summer, the Balkans also faced record temperatures and drought, which have contributed to the land's inability to absorb heavy rainfall, exacerbating the flooding. In response to the disaster, neighboring countries and European Union nations have offered assistance to the affected areas. The situation underscores the urgent need for effective disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies in the region.