Minister Yerlikaya Provides Update on Current State of Flood Disaster
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya has provided an update on the flood disaster that affected nine provinces in Turkey. Speaking at the Governor’s Office after visiting Zonguldak, Minister Yerlikaya announced that a total of 5,986 reports were received in these provinces following heavy rains. Immediate action was taken by the AFAD (Disaster and Emergency Management Authority) teams, resulting in the rescue of 23 stranded citizens by helicopters and 608 citizens by boats and construction equipment.
The flood disaster impacted a significant number of settlements, with 10 provinces, 82 districts, and 1,353 villages and neighborhoods affected by excessive rains, floods, landslides, and rockfalls. The central districts and villages of Bartın, Ordu, and Zonguldak were particularly hit hard. Additional damage was observed in Bolu, Düzce, Giresun, Kastamonu, Kocaeli, Karabük, and Samsun provinces. In response to the disaster, a total of 6,611 personnel, including 1,390 gendarmerie and 861 police, were deployed along with two helicopters and 578 various types of construction equipment.
Minister Yerlikaya emphasized the collaboration between various public institutions and organizations in conducting inspections and evaluations of the affected areas. The main focus was damage assessment and relief efforts in the settlements. He noted that 210 roads were closed initially but have now been reopened, allowing normal traffic flow. Power outages affected 625 settlements, but electricity has been restored with the completion of repair works. Similarly, drinking water interruptions in 165 settlements have been addressed, and water supply has been restored to 60 settlements.
Unfortunately, three lives were lost, with one citizen each in Samsun, Zonguldak, and Giresun. Minister Yerlikaya expressed condolences to the families of the deceased. The warning issued prior to the heavy rains in Zonguldak was handled effectively, with citizens being alerted through various communication channels, including media, social media, and SMS. The precipitation in Zonguldak reached 236 kilograms per square meter, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. However, the rescue efforts managed to save 45 citizens from the flood.
The Ministry of Interior allocated 93 million lira as life water allowance to Zonguldak in the initial stage of emergency response. In total, 360 million 700 thousand liras of emergency aid were sent to nine provinces, including Bartın and Zonguldak. Preliminary damage assessments have been completed, and the Ministry of Interior will determine further support for affected business owners after conducting detailed examinations of their files.
Minister Yerlikaya also assured that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who is currently abroad, is closely monitoring the situation and providing instructions to the ministers involved in the recovery efforts. The Minister emphasized the importance of being prepared and making proactive efforts to mitigate risks and reduce disasters in the future.
The government’s response to the flood disaster has been swift and comprehensive, with multiple agencies and organizations working together to provide relief and support to the affected provinces. The ongoing efforts aim to restore normalcy and provide necessary assistance to the affected communities.
