Thousands of mourners gathered in Jablanica, Bosnia, to pay their respects at a mass funeral for 19 victims of the recent catastrophic floods. The tragedy struck on October 4, when torrential rains led to severe flooding and landslides, claiming lives and devastating communities across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Event: Mass funeral for 19 flood victims in Jablanica, Bosnia.
- Date of Flood: October 4, 2024.
- Total Deaths: At least 26 confirmed, with one person still missing.
- Community Impact: Significant damage to infrastructure and homes in multiple municipalities.
The atmosphere in Jablanica was somber as family members, friends, and community leaders came together to honor those who lost their lives. The funeral service was led by Husein Kavazovic, the Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, who offered prayers for the deceased and their grieving families.
During the service, Kavazovic emphasized the importance of community support, stating, "We must not turn our backs on their families. We must not forget them or their families." His words resonated deeply with the attendees, many of whom were directly affected by the floods.
The floods, which were described as unprecedented, caused widespread destruction across several municipalities, including Jablanica, Kresevo, Fojnica, and Kiseljak. The torrential rains and landslides caught residents off guard, leading to significant loss of life and property.
Impact of the Floods
- Total Fatalities: 26 confirmed dead, with ongoing search efforts for one missing person.
- Infrastructure Damage:
- 49 residential buildings destroyed.
- 181 residential buildings damaged.
- Major roads and bridges swept away, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
The mayor of Jablanica, Damir Sabanovic, estimated that the cost of repairs would exceed 50 million Bosnian marks (approximately 25 million euros). The damage in surrounding areas is also substantial, with estimates reaching 55 million Bosnian marks (around 28 million euros) in Fojnica, Kiseljak, and Kresevo.
Community Response
In the wake of this disaster, the community has come together to support those affected. Volunteers have been mobilizing to assist with cleanup efforts, and donations of food, clothing, and medical supplies have been pouring in from across the country and neighboring regions.
Countries such as Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, and Montenegro have also offered assistance, sending rescue teams and financial aid to help with recovery efforts.
Looking Ahead
As the community mourns, there is a collective resolve to rebuild and support one another. The floods have highlighted the vulnerability of the region to extreme weather events, prompting discussions about climate change and its impact on local communities.
The Prosecutor’s Office of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton has initiated an investigation into the role of a nearby quarry in the landslides, as authorities seek to understand the factors that contributed to this tragic event.
In conclusion, the mass funeral in Jablanica serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of community in the face of adversity. As the region begins to heal, the memories of those lost will remain etched in the hearts of their loved ones and the community at large.
Sources
- Thousands Attend Mass Funeral for Bosnia Flood Victims | Balkan Insight, Balkan Insight.
- Hundreds attend collective funeral service for 19 victims of Bosnia’s floods | AP News, AP News.
- Thousands attend funeral service in Bosnia for 19 killed in floods , Voice of America English News.
- Hundreds attend a funeral service in southern Bosnia for 19 killed in devastating floods, Yahoo News Canada.
- Several thousand attend a funeral service in southern Bosnia for 19 killed in devastating floods, WRAL.com.
English