Minister Yerlikaya: Transportation Access Expanded with Opening of 14 New Routes
Floods and Landslides Cause Disruptions in Several Turkish Provinces
Heavy rains in Turkey have led to floods and landslides in several provinces, including Bolu, Zonguldak, Bartın, Ordu, Karabük, Kastamonu, Sivas, Erzincan, and Samsun. The Interior Minister, Ali Yerlikaya, issued a statement regarding the situation.
Transportation has been severely affected by these adverse events, with occasional disruptions and debris accumulation on roads. Several government institutions, such as the General Directorate of Highways, AFAD, Gendarmerie, and General Directorate of Security, have swiftly intervened and continue to address the situation urgently.
The Highways Teams, which operate 24/7, are working diligently to clear flood deposits and clean affected areas using their equipment and vehicles. To minimize transportation disruptions, alternative routes have been directed, and traffic has returned to normal at certain points.
Teams are actively working in various provinces and districts, particularly Ordu, Bartın, Zonguldak, Karabük, Kastamonu, Bolu, Sivas, and Erzincan. Surrounding provinces have provided additional support in terms of personnel and equipment. The teams remain vigilant against any potential issues that may arise during the night.
Fourteen routes have been opened for transportation, including Ereğli – Zonguldak Road, Kilimli – Filyos – Saltukova Road, Bartin – Arıt Road, Bartin – Amasra Road, Bartin – Kurucaşile Road, Zonguldak – Devrek Road, Bartin – Kozcagiz – Persembe Road, Çaycuma – Bartin Road, Bartin – Arıt Road, and Kozcagiz – Hasankadı Road.
However, certain roads are still closed due to the ongoing unfavorable conditions. These include Karaman – Beycuma – Devrek Road between km 17 – 19, Alaplı – Yığılca Road between km 14 – 17, Gökçebey – Yenice – Karabuk Road 0-1 km, Devrek – Ereğli Road 22-25 km, Gökçebey – Yenice – Karabük Road 6 km Kayadibi locality, Gökçebey – Yenice – Karabük Road 16 km, Kilimli – Filyos – Saltukova Road 20-24 km, Karaman – Beycuma – Devrek Road, Gökçebey – Yenice – Karabük Road, Persembe – Kozcagiz – Bartin Road, and Ankara – Istanbul Highway.
The meteorology department has predicted that heavy rains will persist and continue to impact these areas tomorrow. In light of this, the Interior Minister advises citizens to exercise caution and refrain from unnecessary travel, especially in Bartın, Zonguldak, Karabük, Trabzon, Rize, Artvin, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Sakarya, Kastamonu, Bolu, and surrounding provinces.
As the affected citizens try to cope with the aftermath of the floods, the minister sends his best wishes to all of them. He also prays for the protection of the country from all kinds of disasters.
