Flood in Serbia

Torrential rain in the Balkans has caused the worst flooding that the area has experienced in over a century. In Serbia, it is estimated that 17 people have been killed and 25,000 people were forced to evacuate.

In just three days, during the period of 14 to 16 May 2014, three months worth of rain fell on the Balkans. The rain caused water levels in rivers to rise, and burst their banks, inundating nearby inhabited areas. There were concerns that the River Sava would flood the Nikola Tesla power plant, in Obrenovac, southwest of Belgrade, and emergency workers quickly acted to protect the plant and try to keep the waters out. Despite their efforts, the continuing rainfall has caused flooding to parts of the plant. The plant is key to providing power for half of Serbia.

The entire population of Obrenovac was ordered to evacuate on 19 May, but it was estimated that as many as 2000 people were left stranded in the city by the flooding, some of whom chose to remain in their homes despite the warnings. Rescue operations have been conducted to retrieve those who were trapped. Eleven other villages along the River Sava were also ordered to evacuate.

The Serbian government has requested international aid in the recovery and though the waters are receding in some parts of the country, many residents are returning to destroyed or inundated homes.