Severe storms that swept across the Balkans overnight have caused significant damage in several countries across the region, heavily affecting agriculture, infrastructure, and private property.
In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Herzegovina region was among the hardest hit, particularly the area of Nevesinje. Mayor Milenko Avdalović stated that agricultural damages amount to millions of Bosnian marks.
According to him, the storm almost completely destroyed potato, onion, and cabbage crops, as well as orchards, while major damage was also recorded in the vineyards of Grude and Ljubuški.
North Macedonia also faced extreme weather conditions. Winds reached speeds of up to 134 kilometers per hour in Štip and 130 kilometers per hour in Skopje, causing extensive material damage.
The Crisis Management Center reported that the emergency number 112 received more than 9,000 calls, while 10 people were injured as a result of the storm.
In Skopje, more than 100 vehicles were damaged, 189 trees were uprooted, and several public buildings were affected, including the Presidential building, several ministries, and the airport.
Severe weather was also recorded in Croatia, especially along the Adriatic coast. On the island of Hvar, sea levels rose by around 1.5 meters, flooding the promenade and several streets in the town of Stari Grad. Rising sea levels were also recorded on the islands of Vis and Korčula, although without major material consequences.
Experts warn that such extreme weather events are expected to become increasingly frequent and intense due to climate change and global warming linked to greenhouse gas emissions, increasing risks for communities and economies across the region.
