A severe snowstorm has wreaked havoc across the Balkans, complicATING rescue operations for two Hungarian hikers stranded in the Slovenian Alps. The storm has led to traffic chaos, school closures, and widespread power outages, highlighting the challenges faced by emergency services amid extreme weather conditions.
The snowstorm began on December 23, 2024, bringing significant disruptions across Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia. Authorities have urged residents to avoid travel as conditions are dangerous and unpredictable. The storm has created hazardous conditions, including heavy snowfall and strong winds.
Rescue efforts for the stranded hikers, who ventured out during poor weather and became lost, have been particularly challenging. Jernej Lanišek, head of the rescue mission, revealed, “We are getting closer, but I don’t think we can finish before evening.” For now, one hiker has been located and is reported stable, but the other remains unaccounted for, raising concerns about safety as temperatures plunge. The male hiker sustained injuries, including a broken leg, heightening the urgency of the rescue.
Rescue teams composed of approximately 40 personnel have been working tirelessly to find the missing hiker. Due to dangerous conditions, including high winds and risks of avalanches, operations were temporarily suspended overnight. With rescue efforts now resuming, challenges persist as weather conditions have hindered helicopter operations necessary for swift evacuations.
Beyond the immediate rescue, the snowstorm has created widespread chaos throughout the region. Traffic bans have been issued, with authorities prohibiting heavy vehicles on many roads, especially in Croatia’s central Lika region. Schools throughout Bosnia have been closed as heavy snowfall made travel hazardous for students and staff alike.
Power outages have also had a disastrous impact. Nearly 200,000 homes across Croatia and Bosnia have faced loss of electricity due to the weight of the snow bringing down distribution lines. Residents have been advised to prepare for potential long-lasting outages as the storm impacts the region's infrastructure.
Ferry services have ground to a halt along the Croatian coast, leaving many stranded. The weather conditions are so severe, travel on roads has become dangerous, prompting travel advice from authorities to stay home if possible.
Conditions are expected to worsen as meteorologists predict the snowstorm will continue to move across the region, targeting Serbia next. Officials have warned citizens there to avoid travel and prepare for possible disruptions to power supply.
Efforts by local authorities and the resilience of the rescue teams are being tested as they navigate the grim realities the snowstorm has introduced. The challenges extend from ensuring the safety of the lost hikers to managing the impacts on the wider population struggling without power and mobility.
With emergency services stretched thin and communities facing difficult choices, every available resource is being dedicated to both local management of snow clearance and the safety of the stranded hikers. The situation remains fluid, with officials keeping the public informed and urging caution.
Update reports will continue to follow developments as rescue operations proceed and weather conditions are monitored. The focus remains on locating the missing hiker, ensuring the safety of all those involved, and managing the severe infrastructure challenges posed by this unprecedented weather event.
