Heavy rains trigger deadly flash floods and landslides in northeastern Turkey

Heavy rains triggered flash flooding and landslides in northeastern Turkey on Sunday, July 12, 2020, resulting in at least four fatalities in the Artvin Province and two in the Rize Province, officials confirmed Monday, July 13.

Provincial governor Yilmaz Doruk told reporters that flash flooding occurred at 19:30 LT (16:30 UTC) on Sunday, after very heavy rainfall at the Yusufeli District. While inspecting the area, Doruk added that flooding also struck the Yusufeli Dam Construction site.

At least four people lost their lives, including one child, while one person was rescued.

Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), gendarmerie forces, and sniffer dogs were involved in the search and rescue mission.

Heavy material damage was reported, particularly in the dormitory and office area, but workers have been evacuated to a safer place.

Dozens of vehicles were buried in debris. The Artvin-Erzurum Highway has been closed, and it would take time to clear up sediments from the tunnel, said Doruk.

Image credit: Government of Artvin

In Rize Province, severe weather caused floods and landslides that claimed two lives in the Cayeli District.

Several surrounding towns and villages in the district have been affected. Three people were injured as a number of houses were destroyed in Madenli, Köprübaşı, and Sarısu, AFAD reported.

Rescue teams have been facing difficulties reaching the remote villages as heavy downpours continued. The meteorological agency registered 273 mm (11 inches) of rain in the district in a 24 hour period to Tuesday, July 14.

Rain with thunderstorms is forecast over the region on Wednesday, July 15.

Featured image credit: Government of Artvin