Impact of Floods on the Neretva Basin 03/04.10.2024. Year on the Operation of HPP on the Neretva and the Role of HPP in Flood Protection

Abstract In this paper situation on catchment of river Neretva with flash floods, consequences on hydro power plant facilities, damages, experience and learned lessons are described, as well as a positive impact of dam on flood protection of downstream areas. The short-term high-intensity precipitation that occurred in catchment of Neretva River had a consequence of almost instantaneous increase in the flow of small streams, tributaries, causing flash floods while the main stream, Neretva remains quite calm. In some area total rainfall occurred at night 03th/04h October acceded the most critical month values recorded up to now. Extreme amounts of rainfall in a very short time created strong torrents. This triggered landslides, rockfalls, earth drifts along with vegetation, which resulted in enormous damage in public infrastructure and energy facilities and hydro power plants, also. Roads, railway, telephone lines, mobile communications, even the power supply to some facilities was disrupted. A major challenge for hydropower plant operators was to enable production, assess the safety of energy facilities for exploitation, and urgently take measures for the safe operation of hydropower plants, as well as to take short-term and long-term measures to repair the damage. Experiences and lessons learned at that event can significantly help in making decisions in the future. At the same time, it has been shown that dams and reservoirs of hydroelectric power plants can play a key role in preventing flooding of downstream areas.