Severe storm, large tornado hits Turkey, leaving extensive damage and 25 injured

At least 25 people have been injured after severe storm accompanied by a tornado caused extensive damage to homes, vehicles and farms in southwestern Turkey late Monday into Tuesday (local time), November 14, 2017. The storm destroyed numerous roofs and uprooted trees, particularly in areas close to the coastline.

The worst affected were Antalya province's districts of Kaş, Finike, Demre and Kumluca. This area is among Turkey's largest fruit and vegetable production centers due to its mild weather and the damage caused by the storm is more or less expected to increase food prices in the upcoming months, according to the Daily Sabah.

Halil Kocaer, the mayor of Kaş, said that a tornado formed between Turkish mainland and Greek island of Kastellorizo (Megisti – Meis) and caused damage in Çukurbağ Peninsula located southwest of Kaş district center. The tornado moved some 10 km (6.2 miles) inland, damaging dozens of buildings and greenhouses. Kocaer added that 30 seaside villas were damaged in Gökseki neighborhood, injuring two people, including one foreign national.

Antalya Governor Münir Karaloğlu said that some 75 power poles, including two in main transmission lines, were knocked down, causing blackouts in some areas.

Golf-ball sized hail was reported across the region, causing severe damage to crops and greenhouses.

At least 25 people were injured and transported to hospitals. 23 were discharged from hospitals early Tuesday.

Another large tornado formed off the coast of Karatas, some 500 km (310 miles) east of Kaş, on October 29 and moved several kilometers inland, damaging at least 5 houses.

Featured image: Tornado damage in western Turkey, November 13, 2017. Credit: Tamer Su via Severe Weather Turkey