Wildfire survivors in Croatia question emergency response, highlight communication gaps for deaf

Days after a devastating wildfire swept through the Omiš area of Croatia, residents are grappling with the aftermath, having lost homes and possessions. While emergency services continue their work and temporary housing is being arranged, many survivors are questioning whether the system could have responded more effectively.

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We have no help and no one is coming. What will happen, I hope we will not be forgotten. I am a volunteer of the Homeland War and if the state forgets us now, I don't know what's next.

In the old village of Stanići, the Braić family lost their entire property, built with savings and a loan. Branko Braić recounted the harrowing experience of rescuing his children and wife, barely escaping the flames. "All my life's work, everything I did, is gone in a few minutes," he told Nova TV, expressing his distress and hope that they will not be forgotten.

Braić believes a timely warning could have allowed for an earlier evacuation, providing more time to escape the fire's rapid advance. He criticized the emergency response, stating it caused confusion rather than providing clear guidance. This sentiment is echoed by many who feel the system failed to provide adequate notice.

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First I took the children, I went back for my wife and the police wouldn't let me through. Then I broke through that barricade and saved her at the last moment. I was driving in reverse, hitting the walls... Too much emotion, too much sadness, my whole life is gone, everything I did.

The issue of timely warnings is particularly critical for the deaf community. Miho Opačak, who is deaf, highlighted the danger: "We deaf people hear nothing. If something happens at midnight while I'm sleeping, who will notify me, who will warn me?" He stressed the need for alerts that utilize vibrations or flashing lights, which could be life-saving.

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We deaf people hear nothing. If something happens at midnight while I'm sleeping, who will notify me, who will warn me? That is a big problem. But if there is a vibration or a flashing light on the phone that will warn me, that can save my life.

His wife, Lucija Opačak, described the terrifying confusion of seeing the fire and hearing sirens without understanding the situation due to her hearing impairment. She recounted being pulled onto a boat by a stranger in a chaotic rush towards the sea. The couple finds it difficult to accept official explanations about the fire's speed, emphasizing that residents saw the danger unfolding and believe a better warning system could have made a significant difference.

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When I saw the fire, I was so confused and scared. I have no information, I don't know what's going on. I only see police, I hear sirens, I see cars, that I have to run away quickly, run towards the sea. I saw many people and children flowing, running excited and scared towards the sea. We got close to a boat, some man just grabbed me and threw me in the boat to save me. I was so scared and confused because I am deaf and I don't know what's going on.