Croatia

Natural Disaster Proclaimed in Northern Croatia due to Drought
Associated Press, July 3, 2000

The prefect of Croatia's northern region of Medjimurje proclaimed a state of natural disaster on Monday after the current drought ruined up to 40 percent of this year's crop and caused damage totaling 44 million kuna (dlrs 5 million) to local farmers. Agricultural officials estimate this year's crops would be 30-40 percent below last year's output. In neighboring Slovenia, the damage caused by the drought is estimated at dlrs 30 million.

Fires in Southern Croatia Devastate Crops
Associated Press, August 23, 2000

Fires fanned by gale-force winds Wednesday razed two family homes to the ground and destroyed hundreds of acres of crops, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency. Planes were on hand to combat the flames and volunteer firefighters were summoned from neighboring towns, but high gusting winds and mines leftover from the recent independence war from Yugoslavia have impeded access and increased the risk. Dalmatia, a sparsely populated region of dry land dotted by brush and pine growth, has suffered under extremely hot, dry weather this year, often aggravated by high winds that can quickly whip a fire out of control and turn huge forests into tinderboxes.