Following a period of intense heat, a powerful storm ripped through the Balkans, resulting in six fatalities, including a Croatian firefighter. Emergency services across Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbia are working to restore power and clear debris after Wednesday's devastating weather event. Meteorologists attribute the storm's intensity to the preceding heatwave, highlighting the increasing frequency of extreme weather events potentially linked to climate change.

Across the Balkan region, hundreds have been reported injured, some seriously, due to falling trees, debris, and strong winds. In Croatia, three lives were lost on Wednesday, in addition to the firefighter who tragically died in Tovarnik while on duty. Slovenia and Bosnia also reported one fatality each. Serbian authorities confirmed the rescue of 40 individuals and the extinguishing of 20 fires ignited by lightning strikes.

The storm has left tens of thousands without power across Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. Sremska Mitrovica, in northwestern Serbia, declared a state of emergency due to extensive damage, including significant harm to the local hospital's surgical ward. Emergency measures allow local authorities access to additional resources and personnel to address the crisis. Authorities are warning of the possibility of further storms in the coming days before another period of intense heat arrives.