OVERVIEW OF THE ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES OF 
NATO BOMBING OF YUGOSLAVIA UNTIL MAY 20, 1999 

By Dr. Radoje Lausevic 

Part VI. Are effects already there?


A. Health effects

1. Civilian Casualties
The most prominent effect of NATO bombing is killing of civilians,
so-called and explained as "collateral damage". During the last
fifty-seven days of bombing, over more than 1,000 civilians have been
killed and several times more severely wounded.

a) Three bedridden patients killed in Belgrade
Early morning on May 20, 1999 (01:00 AM), Clinic for Neurology of
Hospital Centre "Dragisa Misovic" in Belgrade was directly hit by two
bombs and burned to the ashes. Three patients have been killed in
their hospital beds. Maternity house and Surgery Clinik in near
vicinity has been seriously damaged (Glas Javnosti, May 20, 1999).
Four women had been evacuated during their induced labor (RT Politika,
Morning News, May 20, 9:00).

b) Korisa
The most horrible event had happened on May 13, 1999, when NATO jets
hit Albanian refugee's line in village Koris, near Prizren town. NATO
has said that it attacked the village in southern Kosovo where up to
100 civilians died on Friday. The Alliance statement went on to say
that the village was a "legitimate military target" and that NATO
deeply regretted any accidental civilian casualties that were caused
by the attack.. NATO said that the village of Korisa was being used as
a military camp. Speaking on the BBC, NATO spokesman Jamie Shea said:
"We have reports that soldiers were also involved in the casualties,
not simply civilians." BBC Correspondent Jacky Rowland, who visited
the village some 24 hours after the attack, said she saw no evidence
of any military equipment in the area (BBC-Brussels, May 15, 1999).
Many other "collateral damages" in towns all around Yugoslavia are
well documented, as follows.

c) Towns in Kosovo and Metohija:
More than four hundred civilians were killed in the bombing of
Pristina, Djakovica, Prizren, Kosovo Polje, Urosevac, Kosovska
Mitrovica, refugee centers in Orahovac and Srbica, Vitina, etc.

d) Belgrade
Several dozen civilians were killed and more than one hundred wounded
in the bombing of various parts of the city, including its very
center: the building of Radio and Television of Serbia (16 killed and
19 wounded professional journalists and technical staff), Embassy of
the People s Republic of China (3 employees killed and more than 50
wounded), the buildings of the federal and republican ministries,
business center "Usce", etc. On 23 April 1999, NATO aggressors
demolished the building of the Radio and Television of Serbia in
Belgrade, the largest radio and TV  company in  the Balkans with  7000
employees and the state-of-the-art infrastructure which was made
available to seven hundred foreign correspondents. On that occasion 16
employees of the Radio and Television of Serbia lost their lives while
19 sustained severe injuries.

On April 30, 1999, Veselin Toshkov  for The Associated Press had
reported: "Fire and thick smoke rose from the heart of Belgrade today
after NATO jets blasted the headquarters of the Yugoslav army, the
interior ministry and a residential area. NATO acknowledged one of its
missiles missed its target (The Associated Press, April 30, 1999).

In the most fierce bombing of Belgrade so far, in the night between 7
and 8 May 1999, NATO aircraft hit with three missiles the building of
the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in New Belgrade, a new
structure of exceptional architectural value. According to BBC Online,
NATO has admitted it made a tragic mistake in firing missiles at the
Chinese embassy in the Yugoslav capital, Belgrade, while statement on
Chinese television said Beijing severely condemned a "barbaric attack
and a gross violation of Chinese sovereignty" (BBC Online, May 8,
1999).

e) Surdulica
Twenty civilians were killed (including 12 children) and over 100
wounded (including 24 seriously) during the bombing on 27 April 1999.
BBC Online promptly reported that "The death toll in Surdulica, 200
miles south of Belgrade, remained unclear several hours after the air
strike. Local officials said more than 17 people were killed, national
television put the figure at 20, while a journalist for Cable News
Network counted 16 bodies at a local morgue, 11 of them children.
Officials said about 50 houses were destroyed in the attack, at midday
on Tuesday, and 600 others were damaged.  NATO issued a statement
saying its aircraft carried out a "successful attack against an army
barracks in Surdulica."  It added: "NATO does not target civilians,
but we cannot exclude harm to civilians or civilian property during
our air operations over Yugoslavia.". Sources at the Pentagon said a
bomb may have lost its laser guidance in the smoke put up by earlier
explosions (BBC Online, April 28, 1999).

f) Nis
Fifteen citizens were killed and more than 60 wounded in the bombing
of the center of the town by cluster bombs on 7 May 1999.

g) Kursumlija
Thirteen civilians were killed and twenty five wounded in an attack on
this town.

h) Aleksinac
Twelve civilians were killed and forty wounded in the bombing of 5
April 1999.

i) Murino near Rozaje
Five civilians were killed and eight children wounded in the bombing
of this village.

2. Children as victims
NATO bombing has forced children to live in shelters and deprived of
elementary, health and social care. They are exposed to stresses which
will permanently affect their development. Furthermore, according FRY
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (b) many children were killed or wounded
in the bombing of civilian structures and residential areas which can
be illustrated by following examples: * the killing of several dozen
of children during the bombing of the train in Grdelica gorge on 12
April, the buss in Luzani on 1 May and buss on the Pec-Rozaje road on
3 May 1999 * the killing of nineteen children in the refugee column
near Djakovica on 14 April 1999 * the killing of twelve children
during the bombing of Surdulica on 27 April 1999 * the killing of nine
children in the bombing of Kursumlija * the killing of seven children
in Srbica from cluster bombs * the killing of six children in the
bombing of a refugee center in Djakovica * the killing of five
children from the Koxa family in the village of Doganovici near
Urosevac when six children were wounded by cluster bombs

* three children and two adults killed by a cluster bomb in the
village of Velika Jablanica near Pec on 2 May 1999 * two children
killed in Aleksinac on 5 April 1999 * the killing of a three-year old
girl in the Belgrade suburb of Batajnica, and many other cases

3. Refugees as Victims
* On 14 April 1999, 75 citizens of the FR of Yugoslavia were killed
and over 40 of them sustained serious injuries in the bombing of a
large group of refugees on the Djakovica-Prizren road

4. Passengers in Vehicles of Public Transportation as Victims
* Fifty-five passengers were killed and twenty-six wounded in the
Grdelica gorge during the attack on the international passenger train
on the Belgrade-Thessaloniki line on 12 April 1999 * Sixty passengers
lost their lives and four were wounded during the bombing of the "Nis
express" coach near the village of Luzani. On that occasion NATO
warplanes bombed also the ambulance which came to help the victims
when one doctor was injured on 1 May 1999 * At least twenty people
were killed and twenty were injured during the attack on the coach on
the Pec-Rozaje line on 3 May 1999

5. New Types of Injuries
NATO amply use weapons banned by the Geneva Convention, such as
cluster bombs. In the period between 25 March and 15 May 1999, over 60
containers each with 240 cluster bombs (i.e. over 15,000 bombs have
been dropped over the territory of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.
About 40 containers and over 250 cluster bombs have been dropped over
Kosovo and Metohija, killing about 200 and wounding over 450 people.
Material damage has been enormous: entire housing estates have been
destroyed, as well as schools and hospitals, industrial plants and
communication infrastructure. Dozens of people, primarily children,
have been killed and wounded as a consequences of the delayed effect
of the cluster bombs and new human casualties and destruction can be
expected from the remaining unexploded bombs (Yugoslav Foreign
Ministry, Aide Memoire, Belgrade, May 17, 1999). Cluster bombs cause
new type of injuries. According to Professor Dr Antonije Skokljev,
General Major in Retire, Ex-Head of the Maxillo-Facial Surgery Clinic
VMA (Military Hospital) Belgrade "This kind wounds was new even for
the two experienced surgeons, Dr Lazar Davidovic and Dr Dragan
Markovic. They have operated for three weeks on Kosovo, Pristina under
extremely difficult conditions: no water, no electricity. These two
cardio-vascular surgeons have treated the injuries of small Sadrina,
Albanian girl whose arm was saved in spite of the difficult injury
from the cluster bomb. Dr Davidovic and Dr Markovic reports are full
of previously unwitnessed injuries, such as victims' bones crashed to
such an extent so that they were pulverized by cluster bombs" (TiM,
May 5, 1999).

6. Acute Health Effects
Releasing of above described toxic compounds (see Chapter III) caused
slightly intoxication of affected civilians. For example, more than
100,000 citizens of Pancevo region (Belgrade's northern suberb) were
endangered after bombing of petrochemical complex on April 15th and
18th. However, there are no reports about lethal effects caused by
intoxication.

The use of graphite bombs which have caused short circuits on
long-distance power lines and collapse of the electric power system of
Serbia had produced severe problems in obtaining elementary needs
(health, hygiene, etc) of entire population. The most severely
affected are  hospitals (particularly maternity hospitals -
incubators, etc), including all patients (especially emergency cases
and those in intensive care units), as well as the residents in cities
who live in the high-rises and others.

7. Chronic Health Effects
Several of above described toxic compounds (see Chapter III), released
after NATO bombing, could cause chronic health effects. First of all
is depleted uranium, but also other carcinogenic and toxic substances
(e.g. VCM).

There is large evidence of using DU ammunition. On 30 March 1999, A-10
planes bombed the region of Greater Prizren. On 18 April 1999 A-10
planes used radio-active ammunition in the region of Greater
Bujanovac. On the basis of spectrometric tests and identification of
radio-nucleides it can be positively averred that the sample - the
bullet for the 30-millimetre cannon of the A-10 plane - contains
depleted uranium. The diameter of the core is 16 mm, length 95 mm,
mass 292 gramme and the calculated density about 18 g/cm. The tested
sample has been appropriately deposited and may be offered as evidence
material (Yugoslav Foreign Ministry, Aide Memoire, Belgrade, May 17,
1999). Such effects could be only monitored at long-term scale.


B. Environmental effects

1. Air
Air pollution is the most acute problem, in view of the fact that the
pollutants spread quickly through the air, that it is impossible to
protect the population swiftly and efficiently and because it largely
depends on the weather. Belgrade was faced with possible major
ecological disaster on April 18 after bombing of petrochemical complex
in Pancevo if the wind been blowing from the east-northeast. All the
toxic substances from the Pancevo industrial zone (phosgene,
vinyl-chloride), harmful and poisonous products of burning fuel, but
also many other substances, would have been blown right into Belgrade.
Luckily, the wind was westerly, at times strong, and rain also helped
in the reduction of air pollution (including phosgene hydrolysis,
yielding carbon dioxide and hydrochloric acid) (P. Polic, 1999). )
Institute of Public Health, Dept. Pancevo, had measured VCM's
concentration of 10,600 times above technologicaly permitted level, at
the point few kilometers faraway from the bombed plant (Glas Javnosti,
May 19, 1999, pg. 5).

The reactions caused by different explosive devices, fires and the
combustion of huge quantities of different materials and chemicals, as
well as the intensive air attacks have irreversibly used millions of
tons of oxygen. One of the estimates says that a single combat plane
consumes more oxygen than 10,000 cars put together. Consequently, we
could conclude that hundreds of tons of oxygen have virtually
disappeared from these parts of the Balkan Peninsula in only three
weeks. The above quantity of oxygen would be sufficient to maintain
life for the next 50 years.

The combustion of oil, petrol, crude oil, motor oil, tires, asphalt,
and other materials on extremely high temperatures, as well as of
explosive charge of different missile weapons caused hundreds of
products of both combustion and decomposition (carbon monoxide, carbon
dioxide, nitric oxides, sulfurous compounds) whose quantities are now
reaching over 1000 million m3 in the atmosphere. The extreme danger
lies in the excessive presence of sulfur dioxide. These products of
combustion and decomposition can affect each other and consequently
create some even more perilous compounds than those previously
existing. All of them are included in the process of the circulation
of matter and energy, so it is more than possible that they will reach
the surface of the earth and than become part of the chain of food.
Toxic effects of the presence of the above products are unpredictable
to say in the least. (V. Janjic, 1999). Modern buildings, unlike those
of the pre-World War II era, incorporate a lot of synthetic materials
in their structure, furnishings and fittings. Consequently, a modern
building produces a lot of pyrotoxins when burning (Times of India,
April 21). After bombing of the very center of Belgrade during a
night, suffocating cloud did not disperse till late morning hours.

2. Water
Water pollution is a less acute, but not a potentially less dangerous
problem. One should certainly not underestimate the pollution of
rivers with oil and its derivatives, as well as the potential
pollution with acids, alkalis, phenols and the like. But oil flows
away, acids and alkalis are quickly diluted, phenols hydrolyze, etc.
The pollution of underground waters is much more dangerous, since they
have a very limited capacity for self-purification (this is why
"Makis" and many other wells are in great danger, because pollutants
reach underground waters both from the surface and by infiltrating
through the bank sediments of polluted rivers). It should also be
remembered that rivers, although they flow, are being self-purified by
their bottom sediments, therefore toxic substances accumulate and, if
not degraded, can be released (mobilized) again if there is a change
in the physical and chemical properties of the water - ionic forces,
pH, redox potentials, the presence of complexing agents (including
natural ones  humic substances, which can increase or reduce both the
mobility and the toxicity of polluting substances) (P. Polic, 1999).

Only after bombing of VCM plant in Pancevo on the night of April 18th
the total of 1,400  tons of EDC and 800 tons of 33% hydrogen chloride
(HCl) have been released directly into Danube watercourse.
Furthermore, 3,000 tons of natrium hydroxyde (NaOH), 30 tons of liquid
chlorine and almost 100 tons of mercury (Hg) were released from
destroyed Chlorine - Alkaline Electrolysis plant in Pancevo (Glas
Javnosti, May 19, 1999, pg. 5). As a consequence of released toxins
after repeated bombings, Yugoslav authorities has prohibited fishing
on the Danube downstream from Pancevo (TiM, May 14, 1999).

According to BBC News (Monday, April 19, 1999, Dr. Momir Komatina, a
hydrogeologist, says the region's underground water sources are at
risk. Groundwater is estimated to supply 90% of Serbia's domestic and
industrial needs.

3. Soil
NATO bombing is creating deep craters and ruining the land which will
need thousands of years to recuperate. The opinion is that a 240kg
heavy bomb makes a crater with 8 meters in diameter, 50 meters in
surface, 4 meters in depth and 67m3 in volume. The total surface of
the craters created by the three weeks NATO aggression is enormous.
The damage becomes even greater if one bears in mind that not only
parts of the land with craters become unusable, but also all the land
around. Every single airplane attack leaves behind a crater field with
a surface of several tens of hectares. The destruction of the upper
layers of the soil equals the destruction of its flora and fauna. As a
consequence, the lower layers of the soil are turning into a
completely useless area whose natural regeneration could last
thousands of years. In order for the 20cm thick upper layers to be
made, the land needs some 1500 to 7400 years, because within 100 years
the surface layer grows only 0.5-2cm (V. Janjic, 1999)

4. Ecosystems/Biodiversity

a) Endangered Natural Assets of National and International importance
* The Kopaonik National Park, and its highest peak, Pancicev vrh, with
the monument to Josif Pancic, world recognized scientist and
naturalist;

* The Crveni potok Strict Nature Reserve in the Tara National Park,
the unique habitat of Pancic's omorika, described by Josif Pancic; *
Gazimestan, both cultural and natural value, protected as one of few
natural habitats of Paeonia officinalis; * The Grmija Park of Nature
and monasteries Gracanica, Pecka Patrijarsija, Zica, cultural
monuments surrounded by protected landscape areas; * Kursumlija and
the vicinity of the city where is the Djavolja Varos, Monument of
Nature, proposed for UNESCO World Heritage List as geological
phenomenon; * industrial chemical plants in Pancevo, Novi Sad,
Kragujevac, Lucani and Baric-Belgrade. Chemicals from the plants are
spreading through the air and the river systems to the neighboring
countries, also, and the permanent effects on environment and on the
health of the people will be measured in years to come.

b) Endangered plant species
The localities of highest concentration of rare and endangered species
in Serbia, according Serbian Ecological Society (SES 1999b) are
strongly affected by war activities. Therefore, many plant species
could become extinct due to recent environmental damages. An excellent
example is the situation with four extremely endangered species, as
follows:

(1) Aristolochia merxmuelleri Greuter & E. Mayer
Merxmueller's Birthwort is local endemic of Metochia. According to the
size of range, isolated taxonomical position in the flora of Serbia
and distant phytogeographical links  with Mediterranean
representatives of A. pallida aggregate, the taxon might be considered
to be a relic. Grazing is the most adverse threat. Habitat is in the
vicinity of Malisevo and Drenica. That region is strongly affected by
war activities since 24th March 1999.

(2) Dianthus behriorum Bornm
Behr's Pink grows on grass covered calcareous stony grounds above
1,000 m. It is overgrazed. It has been noted that there is no specimen
of this species in stony pastures where grazing is heavy. However, in
the immediate vicinity of the pastures, in denuded terrain, which are
not under grazing pressure, the population is comparatively rich.
Habitat is strongly affected by war activities since 24th March 1999.
Locus classicus represents possible direction of land invasion of NATO
troops to Serbia. Mt Pastrik has been already bombed. Heavy battle was
performed near village Gorozup.

(3) Gentiana nopcsae J v.
Nopcsa's Marsh Gentian's habitat is strongly affected by war
activities. Locus classicus (Cafa Morina) was the place of heavy
fighting and had been severely bombed. The vicinity of Pec town had

(4) Tulipa serbica Tatic & Krivosej
Serbian Tulip is recently described taxon. It has been widely accepted
that this species could be named by noun "serbica" as indication of
its geographically belonging - as indication of the state where it has
been discovered. Its habitat is strongly affected by war activities:
locality Srbovac near Kosovska Mitrovica town has been intensively
bombed.

c) Endangered animals
Many wild animals (small and large) are endangered by NATO bombing.
The most prominent example represents the Egyptian vulture (Gyps
fulvus), the largest Yugoslav vulture. It has a similar importance for
the Balkan region as does the condor for South America. It has been
successfully reintroduced and protected in river gorges of Uvac,
Milesevka and Tresnjica. These magnificent birds need permanent food 
supply and peaceful environment. for successful survival. However, a 
NATO jet crushed directly into Milesevka gorge, while often bombing 
in the vicinity of other habitats of G. fulvus.


--
Ass. Prof. Dr. Radoje Lausevic
Serbian Ecological Society
Univ. Belgrade, Fac. Biol.
Inst. Bot. & Bot. Garden "Jevremovac"
Takovska 43, 11000 Belgrade, Yugoslavia
Tel: +381 11 767-988
Fax: +381 11 769-903
rlausevi@EUnet.yu