Türkiye delivers 60 container homes to Bosnian flood victims

By Ismail Ozdemir

KONJIC, Bosnia and Herzegovina (AA) – Families in Bosnia and Herzegovina affected by devastating floods on Oct. 4 have begun relocating to container homes provided by Türkiye.

Sadik Babur Girgin, Türkiye's Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited the flood-hit region to express solidarity and support.

The clearing of debris and reopening of roads in the area facilitated the deployment of 60 container homes, which were set up at locations requested by the affected families.

Ten families have moved into the homes so far, with more preparing to do so.

During his visit to the village of Buturovic Polje near the town of Konjic, Ambassador Girgin was accompanied by Erdinc Isik, Bosnia and Herzegovina Coordinator of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), and Osman Catic, the mayor of Konjic.

Speaking to reporters, Girgin commended the swift response from Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), TIKA and the Turkish Red Crescent.

"We are here to observe the families' current situation and offer support," he said.

He also announced TIKA’s plans to introduce agricultural projects in the region.

"The people here primarily rely on agriculture. They have lost their resources and livestock, and they are striving to rebuild. As Türkiye, we assured them that all our institutions would provide as much assistance as possible. We will continue to visit and support them," he said.

Girgin noted that the 60 container homes, equipped with essential amenities, were delivered based on the families' needs. He reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to extending a hand of friendship to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- Heartfelt accounts from flood survivors

Fikret Hakalovic, a 70-year-old flood survivor, expressed his gratitude after moving into one of the container homes.

"I lost everything I had worked for over the years," he told Anadolu.

Hakalovic shared that despite the devastation, he found solace in his family’s survival.

"I turned to God, and when I saw my wife, children, grandchildren and daughters-in-law alive, I was overjoyed. We stayed strong as a family.

"The container home from Türkiye arrived, equipped with air conditioning. I’m now rebuilding the barn because our main source of livelihood is livestock farming," he added.

-Flood disaster in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The floods on Oct. 4 devastated five cities in Bosnia and Herzegovina, claiming 27 lives.

AFAD, the Turkish Red Crescent and TIKA were among the first responders, providing essential aid to the disaster-stricken region.

Trucks carrying container homes and vital supplies from Türkiye reached the affected areas, offering temporary accommodation to families who lost their homes.

In total, 60 container homes were delivered to provide much-needed relief.

*Writing by Gizem Nisa Çebi in Istanbul