Hefty snowfall and snowstorms are causing significant disruptions across the Balkans. Tens of thousands in Bosnia and Herzegovina are without electricity, and neighboring countries Serbia and Croatia are also experiencing issues.
In some areas, snowfall has exceeded 1.5 meters within two days, with more expected in the coming days. Certain locations in Bosnia have become inaccessible due to record snowfall, leading to impassable roads and declared emergencies in some regions.
In Sarajevo, 30 centimeters of snow fell in a few hours, while surrounding mountains received over a meter, with more than 1.70 meters recorded at Mount Bjelasnica, a ski area near the city. Train services in Bosnia are largely halted, and the state energy company describes conditions in some parts as “extremely difficult,” with snow-laden and fallen power lines causing outages.
Despite the disruptions, some people welcome the snow. Many areas, particularly in western and northwestern Bosnia, are affected, with places lacking drinking water and schools closed for two days.
Motorists are also stranded; around seventy people, including children, were trapped in their vehicles under the snow near Bosanski Petrovac. Authorities in Bosnia, Serbia, and Croatia have implemented measures, including restrictions on heavy traffic and limited access to snow-covered roads, with motorists advised to take precautions.
In Croatia, a man trapped while driving to a hospital was rescued by workers on skis. In Slovenia, a Hungarian couple faced difficulties while hiking in the mountains north of Ljubljana; the woman was rescued yesterday, but efforts to save the man were halted due to severe weather.
Source: NOS