On Friday August 4th, heavy rains caused flash floods and landslides in different parts of Slovenia. Thousands of people had to evacuate their homes, as reported by German news outlet DW. Many others had to be transported to safer locations by rescue teams. By Saturday, the weather conditions had improved and authorities began to assess the size of the damages.
On Sunday, Slovenia asked for technical aid from both the EU and NATO to help with the reparations needed after the destruction the floods caused. Slovenia has asked for 30 prefabricated bridges of up to 40 meters each, as reported by DW. Authorities have requested five heavy military helicopters from NATO, as well 200 soldiers for protection, rescue and relief tasks.
Lives are lost, pets are missing. The army deployed helicopters to rescue people trapped in their homes.
Petra Stušek, CEO at Ljubljana Tourism
According to Slovenia’s Tourism Board, the majority of the country was not severely affected and remains open for guests and visitors. However, some areas are still inaccessible, and road and rail connections are disrupted in some places. Destinations and tourism providers are doing everything in their power to continue to offer guests safe and comfortable stay, and the best possible experience.
Prime Minister Robert Golob said the floods may have caused damages worth €500 million, according to DW. “This is the worst natural disaster in Slovenia’s [recent] history, it has affected two-thirds of the country,” Golob said.
Numerous regions have been affected by the floods, including cities, countryside and natural attractions. Before exploring Slovenia’s beauties, we strongly recommend checking destination websites or social media channels for updates. Certain tourist destinations may be inaccessible, please change your routes or plans and explore locations that were not affected. Destinations and tourism providers are doing everything in their power to continue to offer guests safe and comfortable stay, and the best possible experience.
1. Most affected areas
- Central Slovenia: Medvode, Kamnik and Velika Planina, Komenda, Idrija, Žiri, Škofja Loka
- Alpine Slovenia: parts of Koroška, Upper Savinja Valley (Luče, Solčava, Ljubno ob Savinji, Gornji Grad, Nazarje, Rečica ob Savinji, Mozirje, Polzela)
- In some areas of Pomurje region, Mura river is also flooding.
In the case of already made reservations or planned vacation with providers in the destinations affected by the accident, Slovenia’s Tourism Board suggest contacting the providers.
Due to the floods, many roads in northern Primorska, Carinthia, Štajerska, Zasavje and central Slovenia are closed. Conditions are constantly changing. It is advised to follow the situation online. The Štajerska highway between Ljubljana and Maribor is open again in both directions. Due to the high wetness of the soil, the likelihood of landslides throughout the country remains high.
2. Safe areas
- Central Slovenia: Ljubljana, Novo mesto, Kočevsko region, Bela krajina, etc
- Mediterranean Slovenia: coastal towns of Piran & Portorož, Koper, Izola, Ankaran, Vipava Valley & Nova Gorica, Karst with Postojna Cave, Škocjan Caves, Štanjel, Lipica, Green Karst, etc
- Alpine Slovenia: Bled, Bohinj. Kranjska Gora, Kranj, Maribor, etc
- Thermal Pannonian Slovenia: Podčetrtek, Rogaška Slatina, Ptuj, Novo mesto, Šmarješke Toplice, Dolenjske Toplice, Dobrna, etc
