SARAJEVO (Reuters) - A severe snowstorm has left over 200,000 homes across Bosnia and Herzegovina without power for the second consecutive day on December 25, authorities reported. The storm caused widespread disruption across several Balkan nations, primarily affecting the northwestern and central regions of Bosnia.
The harsh winter conditions not only halted electricity but also severely obstructed travel. Many villages and towns remained unreachable as icy roads continued to be blocked, creating significant challenges for emergency crews. "Our teams are on site all the time, doing everything in their power," noted Jelena Markovic, spokesperson for the Elektroprenos BiH distribution company, which faced difficulties as most transmission lines were hidden under the snow and unreachable.
While the snowfall had ceased on Christmas Day, the aftermath overshadowed celebrations. Across the region, authorities issued travel warnings as heavy snow drifts led to major highway closures, thwarting movement and leaving many stranded. Local media confirmed reports of cars trapped on roads for over 12 hours before the situation improved.
Particularly severe was the situation in Croatia, where emergency crews declared they had rescued 48 individuals who had been stranded by the snowstorm. The Croatian Automobile Association reported key highways leading to the coast had been blocked, with ten more roads going impassable. Seven roads across Bosnia were also closed due to the storm.
The issue was not confined to Bosnia and Croatia. Slovenia also saw its complications. A rescue effort to locate a Hungarian hiker who had been stranded since Sunday was suspended as adverse weather conditions made it impossible for rescue helicopters to operate, safely bringing to light the storm's widespread impacts.
The snowstorm knocked out power to tens of thousands of homes not only in Bosnia but also crossed borders impacting Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia. For many residents, the problems were compounded by damaged infrastructure, as the storm's moist snow brought down power lines, leading to interruptions of heating and water supply.
Local authorities responded by issuing states of emergency and declaring natural disasters. The situation prompted bans on heavy vehicle movements on affected roads across Bosnia and Serbia, with limitations imposed on overall traffic to keep the roads clear for necessary emergency response units.
Residents faced not just the uncertainty of power restoration but also the risk of dwindling supplies as access to clean drinking water was compromised. Schools were closed for the second day running as crews worked tirelessly to clear the snow.
Among the towns impacted, Drvar experienced complete isolation, with local officials declaring it cut off from the outside world due to exorbitant snow accumulation. Municipal council president Jasna Pecanac highlighted the plight of the town: "Many of our residents are stuck in the snow," she said, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Efforts are underway to restore power and unblock roads, but repair teams are continuing to deal with the dual challenges of fallen trees and heavy snowfall hampering their access. Public transport systems faced significant delays and cancellations, and the authorities announced public pleas for residents to remain indoors if possible.
Adjacent to these hardships, the snowfall affected public services as well; railway services across parts of Bosnia faced total stoppage due to obstructions from the snowstorm. Electroprivreda, the state's electricity company, described the circumstances as "extremely hard," underlining the current challenges posed by the hazardous weather.
Despite the cessation of snowfall, the aftermath of this winter event continues to impact the residents of the Balkans deeply. The situation remains fluid, with emergency groups working diligently and constantly updating frustrated citizens about the restoration of services, attempting to bring normalcy back to the affected areas.
