Kızılırmak River Experiences Sudden Rise – Latest News in Turkey
The water level in Kızılırmak, the longest river in Turkey, continues to rise in Sivas as the snow melts in the mountains, leading to the highest January flow rate of the past 5 years. According to officials from the State Hydraulic Works 19th Regional Directorate, the flow rate of Kızılırmak is measured on a monthly basis.
In January of last year, the average flow rate at the Dikmencik location was 3.51 cubic meters per second, while this year it was recorded at 25.5 cubic meters per second. Similarly, at the Söğütlühan location, the average flow rate increased from 6.57 cubic meters per second to 34.6 cubic meters per second during the same period.
Experts have observed that the water level in Kızılırmak continues to rise to the highest level in the last 5 years due to the effect of snow melt. Dr. Fatih Kartal from the Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Education explained that the rise in temperature globally has contributed to the melting of snow, leading to an increase in the flow rate of the river.
Kartal emphasized the importance of using water resources efficiently, especially in light of decreased snowfall in the Central Anatolia Region. He highlighted the impact of temperature changes on agriculture, noting delays in planting and harvesting seasons due to lack of rainfall.
Kızılırmak, which originates from the southern slopes of Kızıldağ in İmranlı district of Sivas, flows into the Black Sea from Bafra Cape in Samsun. The river, with a length of 1355 kilometers, is supported by various dams along its course to regulate the water flow, especially during the spring season when rains and snowmelt lead to an increase in water levels.
