Clean-up Starts in Flood-Sticken Obrenovac

A clean-up of the flood-stricken town of Obrenovac started on Thursday, although local residents have been told not to return to their homes just yet.

The police on Wednesday night called on owners and renters in certain streets in Obrenovac to report the extent of the flood damage and clean up their stores.

Entering the town is still forbidden, however, and only those on the list compiled by the police can return. Journalist were allowed to enter the town on Thursday, accompanied by the police, but were forbidden to ask questions.

Although the streets in Obrenovac are still flooded, in some areas the water has gone down so that cleaning is possible. For the most part, however, Obrenovac is still a ghost town, with only few locals are on the streets and the police and army on constant patrol.

Owing to the high temperatures, there are concerns about the spread of infectious diseases.

Obrenovac was hit hard by severe floods after the river Kolubara burst its banks on Friday, flooding the town, claiming dozens lives and forcing its 70,000 inhabitants to evacuate. The authorities say they expect to find more victims.

Bodies of animals that died in the flooding have been removed from the area of Obrenovac, and this operation will continue on Friday.

Cleaning and reconstruction has also started in towns of Krupanj, Paracin and Sremska Palanka.

Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said that the floods have affected 1,643,832 citizens in 39 municipalities.

Vucic added that 31,879 people had been evacuated from flood-affected areas and 140 shelters set up, including 47 in the capital, Belgrade.