HYDROLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF CATASTROPHIC FLOOD THAT STRUCK BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA IN MAY 2014

Abstract

In mid-May 2014, a cyclone created over the area of South-eastern and Central Europe brought heavy and especially long-term precipitation. As a result of continuous rainfall lasting several days, extensive floods and landslides occurred in the lower part of the Sava river basin. The disastrous consequences of devastating floods happened in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and to a minor extent in Croatia. The floods caused extensive damage, loss of human life and death of animals and environmental degradation. More than a hundred thousand people had to leave their homes. The total damage was estimated at several billion Euros. The catchment area was already saturated with water before the flood event, because a large amount of rain fell in this area in April and the first half of May. Not only the Sava river flooded, but also its tributaries. The event launched a major international campaign to help those affected by the floods. Slovenia responded extensively, including the analyses of a flood event of the Bosna river basin, and proposed some measures to mitigate the impact of future floods.