Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia have been plunged into a humanitarian crisis after more than 50 people were killed and tens of thousands displaced when their homes were lost in the devastating floods two weeks ago.

Venues including the Kombank Arena, home of Partizan Belgrade, and Pionir Arena, home of Crvena Zvezda Belgrade, have been transformed into refuge shelters for flood victims.

The money is being donated jointly by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and European Basketball Federation (FIBA Europe).

"We are extremely saddened to see the devastating impact of the floods which hit Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Serbia," said FIBA President Yvan Mainini.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of those countries at this very difficult time."

His FIBA Europe counterpart Turgay Demirel said the "basketball family must show solidarity with our friends throughout the region and do whatever we can to provide support to those in need".

The floods triggered about 2,000 landslides in the region, some of which were on minefields left over from the war of the 1990s.

FIBA Europe secretary general Kamil Novak said: "At a tragic time like this, we regain our perspective on life and are reminded that basketball is just a game.

"In life, there are much more important issues at hand and it is important that we now address these current issues facing our brothers in Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina and provide assistance in every appropriate manner possible."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


Related stories
May 2014: European Olympic Committees offer financial help to countries hit by Balkan floods
May 2014: European Rowing Championships will go ahead in Belgrade despite Serbian floods