( CNN ) -- Severe flooding across Serbia has prompted the evacuation of at least 16,300 people -- including 1,100 whisked away on helicopters -- the government said Saturday . A spokesman for the Interior Ministry confirmed there have been at least 15 deaths in Serbia and another five in neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina . Unconfirmed reports put the numbers even higher . It 's the worst flooding Serbia has seen since the country began keeping records 120 years ago , according to meteorologists . The catastrophic weather has prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency in Bosnia-Herzegovina , according to a government statement . Bosnian authorities say the flooded town of Maglaj received the average rainfall for a two-month period in less than two days . Speaking at a press conference , Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic said that the situation in his country is `` difficult , '' but that Serbia is prepared for the next wave of floods . More rising waters are expected Sunday evening near Sabac , a city in western Serbia near the Sava River . Vucic said that Sabac is well fortified and that authorities had done `` everything that could be done . '' The Prime Minister pointed out that a dam 7.3 meters tall ( 24 feet ) has been erected , but that the current level of the Sava River is over 6.3 meters -- a historic high . The river is expected to rise . He warned that it is difficult to predict what will happen if the river reaches 6.8 meters , or slightly more than 22 feet . Rescuers in the hard-hit town of Obrenovac , 30 kilometers ( about 19 miles ) southwest of Belgrade , have recovered the first bodies of flood victims , according to Vucic . He expressed concern over how many may eventually be found once waters subside . Authorities estimate that 90 % of the town has been flooded . The Prime Minister thanked the many countries that have already come to Serbia 's aid . He was especially grateful to members of the Russian special forces , highlighting one member who swam 200 meters in cold water to save several people . According to Finance Minister Dusan Vujovic , more than 10,000 troops have already been involved in rescue and assistance operations .
Worst flooding the region has seen in Sunday . NEW : More than 16,000 people are dead in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia . More than 16,000 people have been evacuated in Serbia . More flooding is expected at least 120 years .