After devastating floods in Bosnia-Herzegovina, another natural disaster is looming. Tons of garbage could end up in the Adriatic.
Sarajevo – Landslides, floods and numerous deaths: heavy rain has caused rivers in Bosnia-Herzegovina to overflow their banks. In Jablanica, houses were buried under massive boulders. As the search for the missing continues, a new catastrophe looms.
The Adriatic is threatened with an environmental catastrophe: tons of rubbish are drifting towards the Mediterranean
The Neretva River, a major landmark of Bosnia-Herzegovina, is littered with trash. Its typical emerald green color has disappeared, giving way to a muddy brown hue. The garbage patch weighing tons is drifting from Jablanica towards the Mediterranean, according to the Croatian newspaper Slobodna Dalmacija reported.
Not only household appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines and dishwashers float in the water, but also car tires, glass bottles and lots of plastic. In addition to the strong smell of sewage, the rubble rubbing against each other also causes a deafening noise.
Amid the rubbish, members of the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) search for missing people in rubber boats. About a dozen people were still missing. A mountain rescuer told the daily newspaper: “It is dangerous, sharp objects can damage the boat.” The garbage also threatens the fish population in the Neretva.
Debris could reach the Adriatic Sea: Dam is still holding back garbage patch
The garbage patch is currently being held back by the dam of the Grabovica hydroelectric power plant, according to Croatian Radio HRT reported. Accordingly, emergency services are trying hard to remove the debris from the river with excavators. However, if the pressure becomes too great, it may be necessary to open the dam’s floodgates. Then the heavy carpet of garbage, about one meter thick, would continue to drift towards the Adriatic. The waste could remain stuck on the bank and pollute the water for months.
Meanwhile, several European countries have responded to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s call for help, sending search and rescue teams to the flood-hit country. According to the EUCommission, teams from Croatia, Slovenia, Montenegro and Serbia, among others, are on site to search for missing people and clear rubble. Just a few days ago, severe storms caused chaos in Italy. There are always floods in Germany too. (kas/dpa)
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