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In Pictures: Severe flooding in Bosnia

Maglaj, a small town in Bosnia and Herzegovina, has been especially hard-hit by flooding in the region.

This building, located just a couple of metres from the Bosna River, was damaged in the flood. One of the tenants said that they were lucky that the water stopped rising at the first floor.
By Lejla Osmic
Published On 22 May 2014

Maglaj is a small town in northern Bosnia and Herzegovina. On May 16, the city was hit by severe flooding and thousands of people were trapped in their houses. Some were forced to evacuate from their rooftops.

A visit to Maglaj two days later revealed not just the mud that the Bosna River left behind – but also the strength and will to carry on by people who were suddenly left with nothing.

The first goal after the flooding was to save lives. But now, in Maglaj the citizens are trying to clean the area as fast as possible in order to avoid infections and diseases. They are supported by volunteers from around the country.

On May 18, three buses full of students from Sarajevo arrived to clean the houses, streets and buildings. Volunteers teamed up to remove wet, dirty furniture from flooded homes. Without water and electricity, this proved to be a difficult task.

Given the severe damage, Maglaj and other flooded areas in Bosnia and Herzegovina will likely need a helping hand for months to come.

The flooding could cause problems with algae, fungi and mold in inundated homes.
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In this home in Maglaj, the water damaged the ground floor, filling every corner with dirt and mud.
The only kindergarten Maglaj had was severely damaged by the floods. Volunteers and kindergarten staff are cleaning the space, throwing everything away.
A scene from one of the many flooded areas around Maglaj. 
Paintings have been hung out to dry from the balcony of a flooded apartment in Maglaj.
Local cars are drying out after the flood.
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A hand-written death certificate posted on a public board in the city.
There is no place outside that children can use as a playground. Most of them are helping their parents clean their homes.
A local man examines his damaged home near Maglaj.
Furniture rests on flooded land by the Bosna River.
Bradaric Fahrudin lives on Antuna Hangija Street in Maglaj. Because his home is flooded, he is staying in his neighbour(***)s apartment, together with 15 other people from the street.