Deadly landslide strikes Rize, leaving one dead and three injured, Turkey

A landslide triggered by days of heavy rainfall killed one person and injured three others in the Cayeli district of Rize, Turkey, around 06:00 LT on November 19. 

The ground floors of two adjacent buildings were buried as loose soil masses separated from the hillside and caused a landslide. 

Rescue and mitigation operations were carried out by emergency teams, including the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), local municipality employees, fire brigade teams, and gendarmerie. 

One victim, who was sleeping in their bedroom at the time, was among the residents trapped beneath the debris and could not be saved.

A recent M4.7 earthquake reportedly loosened the soil, and torrential rain that continued for many days contributed to the landslide.

Since then, authorities have removed clogged culverts and implemented preventative steps to stop similar incidents in the future.

Cayeli Mayor Ismail Hakkı Ciftci urged residents to be aware of the ongoing danger, warning that continuous rain could exacerbate risks despite temporary relief. 

Meteorologist Orhan Sen said that rainfall would subside for a few days but predicted the return of heavy rain and potential flooding in the region by November 21, with colder temperatures and snow expected later in the week.

References:

¹ Landslide in Rize kills resident, injures 3 – Hurriyet Daily News – November 19, 2024

Harsha Borah

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