This thesis examines aspects of the Municipality of Vuzenica’s response to the floods of 2012 and 2023. The aim of the thesis was to determine how the municipality exercised its powers regarding protection and rescue, identify the challenges encountered during the flood responses, compare the responses between the two years, and assess how residents evaluate the municipality's performance and its preparedness for future disasters.
The research employs a mixed-methods approach: an analysis of applicable legislation and municipal documents, a resident survey, and three interviews with representatives from the municipal administration, the fire department, and the Civil Protection service. The findings indicate that the municipality acted in accordance with the law in both years; however, the 2012 response was characterized by less experience, slower communication, and weakened coordination among services. In contrast, the 2023 response was significantly more organized and coordinated; consequently, residents rate the municipality’s performance in 2023 much more favorably and view it as well-prepared for future natural disasters.
The results contribute to an understanding of local crisis management and highlight the need for the continuous updating of plans, the strengthening of preventive measures, and the improvement of logistical capabilities. These findings are valuable for municipalities, protection and rescue services, and the broader public sector, as they offer concrete guidelines for more effective natural disaster management and the enhancement of local community resilience.
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