A severe snowstorm has wreaked havoc across the Balkans, complicing rescue operations for two Hungarian hikers stranded in the Slovenian Alps. The storm has led to traffic chaos, school closures, and widespread power outages, underscoring the challenges faced by emergency services amid extreme weather conditions.
The snowstorm, which began on December 23, 2024, has been significantly disruptive across Slovenia, Croatia, and Bosnia, with rising concerns as two hikers—a man and a woman—became lost during poor weather conditions near Ljubljana. Reports state one of the hikers has sustained a broken leg, complicing the rescue efforts.
Rescue teams comprising around 40 personnel have been tirelessly working on the mission, which has faced delays due to high winds and avalanche risks. Jernej Lanišek, the head of the rescue mission, stated, "We are getting closer, but I don’t think we can finish before evening." Some success was seen when the female hiker was located, reportedly stable, but the male hiker remains missing, raising urgent concerns for his safety as frigid temperatures worsen.
The impacts of the snowstorm are far-reaching beyond the rescue operation. Traffic disruptions have been significant, with authorities banning heavy vehicles on many roads throughout the central Lika region of Croatia. Schools across Bosnia's northwest closed due to severe weather conditions, affecting thousands of students.
Power outages have been another major issue, with nearly 200,000 homes across Croatia and Bosnia left without electricity. Emergency services reported difficulty reaching numerous areas to restore power due to the heavy, wet snow. Local officials urged residents to stay home and avoid travel as conditions continued to deteriorate.
The storm has caused emergency alerts and travel warnings. Meteorologists predict the snowstorm will continue to move through the region, with Serbia being the next area impacted. This could lead to additional power cuts, as authorities warn residents to prepare accordingly.
Looking to the wider Balkan region, the news remains grim. Heavy snowfall has led to nearly impassable major roads, and rail traffic has come to a standstill across parts of Bosnia. Local governments declared states of emergency where necessary, with citizens of affected areas urged to stay indoors.
Meanwhile, the community and local authorities remain hopeful about the rescue efforts. The resilience of the emergency services, together with favorable improvements, could play a role as teams continue searching for the missing hiker, whose survival chances diminish with falling temperatures.
Overall, the situation remains fluid, with updates anticipated as conditions evolve. The determination of the rescuers and the support of local authorities will be integral to overcome the challenges presented by this severe winter storm. Regardless of the chaos, the priority remains ensuring the safety of the hikers and the entire community affected by this natural onset of winter.
