Freeze the Blood in the Veins
Landslides Triggered by Storms Disrupt travel in Croatia
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VRGOREC,Croatia (AP) — Days of severe storms in Croatia have resulted in significant damage,particularly along the Adriatic coast,where landslides have disrupted travel and raised concerns among residents. One such landslide occurred near Vrgorec, a small town in a mountainous region.
Landslide Closes Road Near Vrgorec
According to the news portal
Slobodna Dalmacija, this is the second landslide to impact the area in recent days. The portal quoted a reader describing a photo of the scene as something that “freezes the blood in your veins.”
Debris blocks the DC512 highway near the Stupica tunnel outside Vrgorec. (Credit: Branko Radonić/ X)
The landslide has blocked the DC512 highway above the Stupica tunnel, effectively cutting off traffic to Vrgorec. Authorities also closed the district road 6162 in Gornja Podstrana. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Slobodna Dalmacija raised concerns about road safety, questioning whether “driving on this section of the state road [is] Russian roulette?” The news outlet also noted local residents’ fears about using the affected roads.
Dubrovnik has also experienced weather-related issues. Heavy rains triggered a landslide in the city center, causing a retaining wall from a villa garden in Ploče, near the old town, to collapse onto the beach promenade and several parked cars. The incident caused traffic disruptions in the area.
Croatia’s Landscape Increases Landslide Risk
Croatia’s geography and climate make it prone to landslides, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding. The mountainous terrain prevalent in many parts of the country further exacerbates this risk. Vrgorec, surrounded by mountains, faces a heightened susceptibility to these events.
Neighboring Bosnia and Herzegovina have also been affected by the recent storms, experiencing both floods and landslides.
Landslides in Croatia: A Traveler’s Guide
What’s Happening wiht Landslides in Croatia?
why are there so many landslides in Croatia right now?
Severe storms have been hitting Croatia, particularly along the Adriatic coast, leading to significant damage, including landslides. These storms have been causing travel disruptions and raising concerns among residents, as reported by the associated Press.
Where are these landslides occurring?
Landslides have been reported in multiple locations,including:
- Vrgorec: A small,mountainous town where a landslide has closed the DC512 highway.
- Dubrovnik: Heavy rains triggered a landslide in the city center.
What roads are closed due to landslides?
the DC512 highway above the Stupica tunnel near Vrgorec is blocked, effectively cutting off traffic to the town. Additionally, the district road 6162 in Gornja Podstrana has been closed.
Have there been any injuries reported?
No immediate injuries have been reported as per the provided article.
Landslide Impact and Risk
What kind of damage have the landslides caused?
The landslides have caused significant damage and, most notably, they have disrupted travel, making it challenging to get around certain areas. In Dubrovnik, a retaining wall from a villa garden collapsed onto a beach promenade and parked cars, causing traffic disruptions.
Why is Croatia prone to landslides?
Croatia’s geography and climate make it particularly vulnerable to landslides. The contry has:
- Heavy Rainfall: Landslides are more likely during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding.
- Mountainous Terrain: The mountainous terrain in many parts of the country exacerbates the risk.
Which areas are most at risk?
Areas with mountainous terrain are at a heightened risk, such as Vrgorec.
Specific Incidents and Details
What happened near Vrgorec?
Near the town of Vrgorec, a landslide blocked the DC512 highway above the stupica tunnel, cutting off traffic. This is the second landslide to impact the area recently.
What happened in Dubrovnik?
In Dubrovnik, heavy rains triggered a landslide in the city center, causing a retaining wall from a villa garden to collapse. This resulted in traffic disruptions in the area, specifically near the old town.
What concerns have local news outlets raised?
The news portal *Slobodna Dalmacija* has raised concerns about road safety on affected sections, even comparing driving conditions on one road to “Russian roulette.” They have also noted local residents’ fears about using the affected roads.
Has anything else been affected by the storms?
Yes, neighboring Bosnia and herzegovina have also been affected by the recent storms, experiencing both floods and landslides.
Summary of Landslide Locations and Impacts
| Location | Impact | Affected Infrastructure |
|---|---|---|
| Vrgorec | Blocked traffic, second landslide in the area | DC512 highway, district road 6162 |
| Dubrovnik | Traffic disruptions, damage to property | Roads in the city center |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina (neighboring country) | Floods and landslides | N/A (general regional impact) |