Bosnia may be one of Europe’s poorest countries but it has long been rich in one resource: water.
The World Bank estimates Bosnia’s resources of renewable fresh water at nearly 10 cubic meters (350 cubic feet) per person per year.
Some of Europe’s most pristine rivers run through the country’s rugged terrain, making it a paradise for rafters, kayakers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
But the lack of rainfall this year has changed the equation.
Upstream, the lake has completely dried out.
The lack of water has also complicated operations for a nearby power plant that relies on the lake’s dam for energy.
“The year 2024 was exceptionally bad for the functioning of the power plants,” said Fahrudin Tanovic, an executive at public power company Elektroprivreda BiH.
“As last winter there was no snow, the inflow of water into the lake in spring was perhaps at the lowest level since its existence.”
Thermal power plants still produce much of Bosnia’s power, accounting for between 55 and 70% of the country’s electricity at any time, according to the statistics office.
Hydroelectric plants produce most of the remaining power, with just 4% coming from solar or wind.
The drought has made nearby areas more susceptible to landslides, as the soil dries out and loosens.
In the nearby Jablanica area, at least 27 people were killed by sudden heavy rains in October that flooded towns and triggered landslides.