Due to the heavy rains in recent days, some parts of Croatia are struggling with severe floods. The area of Zadar County was particularly affected. The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service warns against driving on flooded roads and explains that 50 percent of fatal accidents in floods occur in cars. In Obrovac, yesterday, instead of cars, people could drive around the city in boats. In Karlovac, the most problems are expected on Wednesday.
After 250 liters per square meter fell in just 24 hours, the water level of the river Zrmanja in Obrovac reached a historic 302 centimeters yesterday morning, which is even 39 centimeters above the highest water level of the Zrmanja ever measured in this city. The water spilled over the streets and made its way into the old town.
Today, the situation is somewhat better. Although the water level in Zrmanja started to rise again in the morning, according to the latest published data, it reached 257 centimeters, which is significantly less than the record 302 centimeters measured yesterday, reports Index.hr.
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Meteorologists are predicting for today that the situation will get even worse, as a new shipment of rain is predicted, and the water levels of almost all rivers will rise.
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Mayor of Obrovac: The amount of water in Zrmanja exceeded all expectations
“The amount of water in Zrmanja exceeded all expectations, as did the amount of precipitation,” said the mayor of Obrovac Ante Mayor. He also said that he expects the barrier wall to hold, and that 2,000 sandbags should be sufficient.
The last time sand was collected from the riverbed was 17 years ago, but the ship broke down then. “We couldn’t find another one,” said the Mayor.
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The minister also arrived in Obrovac Davor Božinović and said that all services are doing their work professionally and that it will be necessary to see how additional forces will be engaged in the coming days.
“Today the situation is better. It is raining, but the water level is falling. The situation depends on what is happening on the Velebit. It is also important what is happening with the Otuča and other rivers that flow into Zrmanja,” said Božinović, adding that Zrmanja has grown like never before.
He also warned that they should be more careful in spatial planning. “Old people built houses at higher altitudes, certainly based on experience. Today we have to be careful where we build, what our foundations are,” he said.
“The most critical is Kostajnica”
“Currently, it is most critical in Croatia’s Kostajnica, Una has a very high water level, 10 to 15 centimeters below the surface for the introduction of a state of emergency,” he told N1 Croatia Tomislav Novosel from the Main Center for Flood Protection in Croatian Waters.
In Karlovac and Kostajnica, the most problems are expected on Wednesday
The water level of Kolpa and Korana in Karlovac dropped slightly at night. The water level of Kolpa is currently 643 centimeters, which is 15 centimeters less than last night. Korana is at 655 centimeters, which is 12 centimeters less than yesterday at 7 p.m.
The Civil Protection Administration announced yesterday that the maximum water level of the Kupa River in Karlovac and the Una River in Kostajnica, Croatia is expected on Wednesday. In addition, they warn that a large inflow of the Sava River is also expected from Slovenia.
Otherwise, the water level of the Krka near Knin has been rising for several days, and is currently at 397 centimeters. If the water level rises by another eight centimeters, regular flood control measures will be initiated.
“During floods, 50 percent of fatal accidents occur in cars”
The Croatian Mountain Rescue Service warns that roads that have been covered by water may be full of potholes or even completely devoid of asphalt.
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“Even well-known roads hide obstacles that can be fatal. Therefore, do not drive your car on flooded roads,” they wrote and emphasized that 50 percent of fatal accidents in floods occur in cars.
