Devastating floods hit Slovenia, causing widespread damage and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The floods, which took place on Thursday and Friday, are being described as the worst natural disaster in the country’s history, with damage estimated at half a billion euros ($550 million). Three people lost their lives, and two-thirds of the country’s territory was affected.
Prime Minister Robert Golob stated that the floods were the largest natural disaster Slovenia has ever faced. Thankfully, the situation improved slightly on the second night, but authorities are yet to confirm reports of another death in the capital, Ljubljana.
The floods were triggered by torrential rains, leading to rivers overflowing and causing extensive damage to buildings and infrastructure. Slovenia’s weather service reported that a month’s worth of rain fell in less than a day. This extreme weather condition is believed to be a consequence of climate change, as the region experiences increasingly severe storms.
The impact on the country is significant, with road and energy infrastructure severely affected, along with hundreds of homes and buildings. Thousands of people have been forced to evacuate their homes, and many have been rescued by helicopters and firefighters in boats. The Slovenian army has also joined the relief effort, providing assistance in the northern part of the country, which has been particularly hard-hit.
Pictures from the scene depict entire villages submerged underwater, outdoor camping sites destroyed, and vehicles trapped in muddy waters. Major roads and bridges in several areas of Slovenia remain partially closed, and authorities are urging people to stay in place until the full extent of the damage can be assessed.
Neighboring Austria also experienced flash floods, resulting in approximately 80 people being temporarily evacuated from their homes in the southern Carinthia province.
This is not the first time the region has faced the wrath of Mother Nature this summer. Severe storms earlier caused roof damages, fallen trees, and one fatality in Slovenia, with four fatalities reported in other parts of the region. Furthermore, Serbia also suffered the consequences of a storm last month, which resulted in three deaths.
As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. The situation in Slovenia serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the global climate crisis and invest in sustainable solutions to mitigate its impact.
