Unprecedented floods which occurred in Serbia left behind a sad picture of the flooded towns, houses, roads, bridges collapsed and thousands of people were forced to leave their homes. On the other hand, the image of solidarity, support and dedication, not only of the citizens of Serbia, but also the people in the region and the world, who selflessly came to help the country whose sacrifices and consequences are still in immeasurable proportions, are causing a feeling, despite all the sadness, of an immense pride.
The state of emergency on the territory of Serbia, due to the risk of flooding, was declared on May 15 of 2014., in 5 cities and 17 municipalities. Dark clouds on the horizon over the state have caused a heavy rain that fell 48 hours straight. In just a few hours a large number of cities and streets have become unrecognizable under a torrent of cold and murky water that poured relentlessly from flooding rivers. Serbia was the epi center of catastrophic weather that has engulfed the Balkans.
From that moment on, normal and safe life for many citizens of Serbia has stopped. Scenes of mothers who are paralyzed by grief and pain, their screaming children in their arms, helpless animals who just stood and watched, and people saving others people’s lives by risking their own, are the images of Serbia that is fighting for survival. Serbia which was hit by the most terrible natural disaster in the last 120 years. Serbia that has united, and won’t surrender!
In the most affected towns there is a feeling of panic and despair. Screams, cries, and shouts for help of the people who are looking for their family members, relatives and friends. The streets have now become channels flooded with water, floating cars, garbage containers and boats laden with victims who are trying to break through.
The army, gendarmerie, tens of thousands of volunteers from Serbia and around the world, working around the clock to evacuate and assist vulnerable people. Brutal force of the water completely demolished some of the houses and buildings, leaving behind a heart freezing devastation.
Convoys of food, beverages and wardrobe are coming from the selfless and noble citizens, but also from many countries of Europe and the world. On the streets of the capitol people are getting together and bringing bags of basic necessities, taxi drivers transporting vulnerable people and volunteers free of charge, sports hall and all available spaces have become temporary homes to thousands of people, and the financial assistance for the vulnerable is being collected in any way possible.
The most difficult and the most critical situation is in the districts of Kolubara, Mačva, Morava and Pomoravlje, as well as the Cities of Obrenovac and Lazarevac. Torrents of water that have befallen Obrenovac, led to the complete evacuation and blocking of the entrance to the municipality, leaving hundreds of houses and other buildings damaged beyond repair. Difficult situation is also in the town of Šabac, where the river Sava has reached a record 620 cm.
The immense consequences of this catastrophe countries of Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia haven’t experienced for more than a century. The exact number of victims and the number of flooded facilities is not yet known, but one thing is certain, Serbia is facing a long and difficult recovery period.
Assistance and help that is coming from the neighboring countries, members of the European Union, Russia, the United States, United Arab Emirates, Japan and others, is essential in these tough moments, and very appreciated by the people of Serbia.
We call on all people of good will to help victims that had lost everything they had in a single day, except their bare lives!
Click here to donate by visiting official Serbian Government website – FloodRelief.gov.rs
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