After heavy storms, a piece of trash covers the Neretva River in Bosnia. A dam has prevented worse so far. The question is: for how long?
Large amounts of rain fell from the sky, floods and mudslides kept Bosnia in tension. At least twenty people have died and scores are still missing. Billions of dollars in damage were caused to infrastructure. Now the next disaster is approaching: an ecological catastrophe is looming.
The actually emerald blue Neretva River, considered the country’s tourist flagship, has turned a dark brown color. In some places, residents are already suffering from an unbearable sewage stench. There are tons of waste floating in the river: plastic, car tires, building materials and household appliances. They form a carpet of waste that, according to experts quoted by the Croatian daily Slobodna Dalmacija, is likely to be a meter thick. The waste rubs against each other and residents and emergency services complain about the deafening noise.
Emergency services endangered their lives
Emergency services from the Croatian Mountain Rescue Service (HGSS) make their way through the mountains of rubbish in inflatable boats and search for missing people. There is a danger to their lives: “It is dangerous, sharp objects can damage the boat and gas bottles that can explode keep appearing among the waste,” says a mountain rescuer.
Until now, a dam has held back the enormous amount of waste. Desperate efforts are being made to use excavators to remove the waste from the river as quickly as possible. However, no one knows how much waste can still be expected. If the pressure on the dam becomes too great, it will probably no longer be possible to open the locks. Then the waste would spread towards Mostar and the Adriatic Sea without any obstacles.
Bad health effects
In that case, a lot of waste would probably get stuck in the reed areas along the banks, biologists say alarmed. The water can be contaminated for months, with fatal consequences for the health of local residents. The extent of the harmful impact of plastic on fish is also difficult to estimate, according to Bosnian environmental associations. After all, fish eat microplastics such as plankton. Rapid action is therefore necessary – in addition to international aid.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
