Balkans Floods – Mine action for flood-affected communities in Bosnia and Herzegovina - MAG 2014

June 2 2014 - Heavy rainfall has caused massive floods and landslides in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia in the Balkans region. The floods are considered to be the worst in 120 years and have caused significant destruction affecting an estimated 3.1 million people. The floods and landslides have also displaced landmines and caused damages to minefield demarcation. With DFATD’s support the Mines Advisory Group is helping the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre to ensure the safety of communities returning or working in areas affected by the floods and landslides. Project activities include: (1) providing technical support to assess contamination and site conditions in areas where landslides have shifted mines; and (2) deploying specialized mine clearance equipment to support clearance in areas affected by landslides.

The expected immediate outcomes for this project include: (1) increased capacity of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Mine Action Centre to assess conditions of sites where landslides have shifted mines and other unexploded ordnance; and (2) increased specialized mine clearance capacity for areas affected by landslides. The expected intermediate outcome is reduced vulnerability of crisis-affected people especially women and children.