Wildfires cause casualties and mass evacuations across Croatia and Serbia

Emergency crews across the Balkans are responding to widespread wildfires that have caused casualties and major property destruction. Near the coastal town of Omiš and Lokva Rogoznica in Croatia, firefighters have contained open flames after a severe blaze led to one confirmed fatality and dozens of injuries. Split’s regional hospital reported treating 36 people, with seven remaining in critical condition, while official figures on total injuries ranged up to 43. Nearly 2,500 residents were evacuated, and more than 500 individuals escaped the encroaching flames by jumping into the sea, where they were rescued by state agencies and local boat captains.

Simultaneously, Serbian authorities are battling over 30 active blazes across the country. One death and several injuries have been reported in Serbia as upcoming high temperatures and strong winds threaten to hamper containment operations.

Sources: Avaz, Danas, HRT Vijesti, N1, Vijesti.