A severe blizzard has struck Bosnia and Herzegovina, causing widespread disruptions and raising health concerns as the country grapples with a surge in COVID-19 cases. The combination of harsh weather and a public health crisis has left many residents in precarious situations, prompting emergency responses from local authorities.
Key Takeaways
- A severe snowstorm has left tens of thousands without power in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Traffic chaos has ensued, with major routes closed and heavy vehicles banned.
- A state of emergency has been declared in Drvar, where residents are stranded due to snow drifts up to 6.5 feet high.
- The country is also facing a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, with daily records of infections and deaths reported.
Severe Weather Impact
The blizzard has wreaked havoc across the region, with approximately 127,000 metering points without power due to heavy snow and winds. In the Republika Srpska region, another 50,000 users are also affected. The situation has been described as "extremely hard" as heavy, moist snow has brought down power lines, complicating repair efforts.
Authorities in Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia have issued travel warnings and banned heavy vehicles from affected roads. Snow drifts have closed major routes, leading to significant traffic disruptions. In Drvar, a state of emergency was declared as the municipality became completely cut off, leaving its 17,000 residents stranded. Local officials have requested assistance for snow clearing, as all available machinery is already deployed.
Health Crisis Amidst the Blizzard
As the blizzard continues, Bosnia is also facing a public health crisis with a surge in COVID-19 cases. Recent reports indicate that the country has recorded daily highs of new infections and deaths. In the last 24 hours alone, Bosnia reported 1,180 new cases and 64 deaths, with the majority of fatalities occurring in the Federation of Bosnia.
The health authorities are struggling to manage the dual crisis of severe weather and rising COVID-19 cases. Hospitals are under pressure as they deal with both the effects of the blizzard and the increasing number of patients requiring care due to the virus.
Emergency Responses
In response to the severe weather, local authorities have mobilized emergency services to assist those affected. Search and rescue operations have been hampered by the harsh conditions, making it difficult to reach stranded individuals. Schools in Banja Luka, the second-largest city in Bosnia, have been closed, and classes were canceled in approximately 70 schools in the Una-Sana Canton.
Public transport has come to a standstill in parts of Bosnia, with railway traffic halted entirely in some areas. The combination of snow and health concerns has created a dire situation for many residents, with power outages, traffic chaos, and emergency declarations becoming the norm.
Conclusion
The ongoing snowstorm in Bosnia and Herzegovina has created a challenging environment for residents, compounded by the health crisis posed by COVID-19. As authorities continue to respond to the crisis, the hope is that conditions will improve soon, allowing for the restoration of services and the safety of those affected.
Sources
- Great Britain imposes sanctions on Milorad Dodik and Zelka Cvijanovic – Telegrafi – Telegrafi, Telegrafi.
- Severe Blizzard Hits Balkans, Causing Widespread Disruptions | BalkanEU, Independent Balkan News Agency.
- Daily record in Bosnia-Herzegovina: 569 infected with coronavirus and 12 dead – Telegraph – Telegraph, Telegrafi.
- Bosnia reports 64 deaths and 1,180 new cases of coronavirus – Telegrafi – Telegrafi, Telegrafi.
