ASSISTANCE RENDERED TO SERBIA AND BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA DURING 2014 FLOODS

Abstract

In May 2014, parts of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia were hit by catastrophic floods never seen before in history. The emergency situation put the preparedness of the national rescue and protection systems of the entire region under severe test and at the same forced Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to request assistance from the neighbouring countries and the international community to rescue people, animals and property. Slovenia was among the first countries to offer help. From 17 to 31 May more than 260 members of the Slovenian protection, rescue and relief forces provided help in the flooded areas of Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which represents the largest Slovenian rescue operation ever conducted abroad. In addition, Slovenia provided substantial humanitarian aid. Altogether as many as 22 countries offered help to both affected countries.