Rivers flood Serbia and Bosnia

Massive flooding hit Serbia and Bosnia this week, leaving at least 20 dead and forcing more than 16,000 to evacuate their homes in what the Serbian Prime minister has labeled “the worst natural disaster” to ever strike the nation. More casualties are expected in the coming days once the water recedes. Experts, however, are bracing themselves for another surge from the Sava river on Monday.
Authorities estimate that close to 1 billion dollars’ worth of damage took place. The flooding has caused power outages resulting in close to 100,000 without power. In addition, more than 200 landslides have covered houses, but no casualties have been reported.
Helicopter envoys are being sent to the flooded areas to rescue those stranded. Caritas Serbia coordinator Mr. Darko Tot described to Vatican Radio that many who are stranded are sleeping on top floors and roofs with flashlights, attempting to signal to the helicopters their presence. Those rescued have been arriving by the bus load every ten minutes to the various relief centers, mostly based in Belgrade.

Listen to the story by Andrew Summerson: