Iran Sympathizes with Balkan States over Deadly Floods


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Ministry on Monday expressed condolences to the governments and nations of Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia over the death of scores of people in the worst flooding the countries have seen in 120 years.

In a statement on Monday, Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Marziyeh Afkham expressed Iran’s sympathy for the three flood-stuck nations, and offered condolences to the bereaved families of the victims.

It comes after the worst floods for decades left more than 40 dead and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes in Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia.

While the deadly flooding is inundating much of the Balkans, rescuers now grapple with the risk of landmines from the Bosnian war resurfacing.

"There are reports that landmines buried during the conflict and not yet removed are in some instances being shifted with the landslides, adding (to) the dangers of people living in the areas as well as rescuers," the Red Cross added.

"A vast number of landslides have worsened the situation and relief efforts," the Red Cross said, describing the rains as the "worst floods in more than a century."