SARAJEVO, Oct. 18 (Xinhua) -- Recent flash floods and landslides in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) have caused widespread disruption to the nation's railway system, with damages estimated in the hundreds of millions, according to the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH.

The floods have primarily affected central BiH, damaging critical infrastructure and halting key economic activities.

In Jablanica Municipality, one of the hardest-hit areas, nearly 200 buildings, agricultural lands, and commercial facilities have been damaged, with initial damage estimates reaching nearly 50 million KM (27.7 million U.S. dollars), said Damir Sabanovic, the head of the municipality.

Rail connections to Croatia, vital for BiH's economy, have been suspended for two weeks. This disruption has heavily impacted the Port of Ploce and the Federation of BiH Oil Terminals, which rely on the Sarajevo-Ploce railway corridor, typically transporting around 7,000 tons of goods daily.

Josip Tomic, CEO of the Federation of BiH Oil Terminals, revealed that shipment volumes have been cut in half, with rerouting efforts adding logistical challenges. Although road traffic has resumed, the reduced rail capacity continues to cripple fuel, metal, and construction industries in the region.

Particularly affected is GIKIL, a major coke factory employing around 900 workers. Road transport of coal, a critical input, is not a feasible alternative, putting the factory's operations at risk.

Ahmet Egrlic, president of the Foreign Trade Chamber of BiH, warned that economic losses are mounting, with millions already gone and further losses threatening jobs and the survival of key industries if swift action isn't taken. Restoration of the railway is expected to take two to three months. (1 KM = 0.56 U.S. dollar) Enditem

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