Historic disaster: Heavy rain sweeps away cars, leaves Bodrum underwater, Turkey

Heavy rain hit the Turkish holiday resort of Bodrum, Muğla province on November 29, 2018, causing dangerous flash floods, sweeping away cars and stranding residents. The rain was preceded by at least one waterspout and accompanied by large hail. This is the second flash flood event to hit the city in 10 days. 

"The city is currently experiencing a historical disaster," Bodrum Mayor Mehmet Kocadon said, adding that citizens were warned in advance of the heavy rain risk.

"It was like a monsoon rain. There are a lot of floods, there is a great disaster around city center," he said.

Rainfall began in the morning hours and grew in intensity in mid-afternoon, turning streets into lakes and stranding drivers and pedestrians, the Daily Sabah reports.

A waterspout formed on the sea between Bodrum and the Greek island of Kos around 14:00 LT and was visible from the Turkish shore for about 15 minutes, causing panic. However, the waterspout headed west and was eventually lost from sight.

Flood waters reached 1 m (3.3 feet) deep in parts of the city, sweeping away cars down the streets and damaging homes and businesses. The worst of the damage occurred in the city's west.

An ancient tomb dating back to the late Roman period was found following after the rain, according to Anadolu Agency. The tomb was hidden underground for thousands of years.

Featured image: Flash floods in Bodrum, Turkey on November 29, 2018. Credit: Yeni Safak