Rescue Operation Saves 6 People Trapped in Ordu’s Flood Waters
Heavy Rain Causes Flooding and Landslides in Fatsa District
The Fatsa district has been experiencing heavy rainfall for the past two days, leading to severe disruption to daily life. The Ilıca Stream, which runs through the district, overflowed due to the downpour, resulting in flooded roads and streets resembling lakes. Unfortunately, this natural disaster has also caused several dangerous situations for the residents.
In Yavaş Mahallesi, two individuals found themselves trapped in a car that was swept away by the floodwaters. Additionally, in the same neighborhood, a landslide occurred, trapping a family of four inside their house. Upon receiving the notification, emergency response teams from AFAD, firefighters, and the municipality immediately rushed to the region to assist.
After approximately two hours of diligent work, all six individuals were successfully rescued and taken to safe areas. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported as a result of the floods and landslides. The teams on the ground continue their efforts to mitigate any potential risks and are dedicated to restoring normalcy to the affected areas.
Mayor İbrahim Ethem Kibar of Fatsa provided an update on the situation, revealing that 14 different landslides occurred in two neighborhoods. He explained that the heavy rainfall, which began at midnight the previous day and intensified throughout the morning, prompted continuous efforts from various organizations, such as the Metropolitan Municipality, Fatsa Municipality, OSKİ, and AFAD. Kibar emphasized the closures of roads due to landslides at different points and praised the uninterrupted work of the teams, who managed to reopen ten of the affected roads. Two citizens who were stranded were also rescued successfully. However, the threat of floods and overflow persists due to ongoing rainfall throughout the night. The teams are fully prepared and have taken all necessary precautions to address any potential negative situations that may arise from this continuous precipitation.
Individuals affected by the natural disaster shared their experiences. Emine Çakmak, who was stuck in a vehicle, explained how the heavy rain trapped them in their village before the wipers failed to clear the water efficiently. Another citizen, Büşra Akyurt, narrated how they inadvertently encountered a flood while attempting to drop off their brother at a village. They were unable to proceed and decided to turn back, only to be hit by a stone that had broken loose from above, forcing them to stop. Yet, they were fortunate enough to promptly contact the local headman and mayor, who organized their rescue operations.
Nedim Töngel, the headman of Yavaş District, expressed his shock at the magnitude of the disaster and remarked that this event surpassed the floods experienced in 2016. Numerous residents were left stranded by the heavy rainfall, but they quickly sought help by contacting emergency services, including Töngel, who then alerted the necessary authorities. The village was fortunate to receive prompt assistance from the mayor, the Metropolitan Municipality, AFAD, and firefighters, making a swift and coordinated rescue operation possible.
Meanwhile, the Kabataş-Gölköy-Aybastı connection road, which had been closed due to the landslide, was reopened after three hours of relentless work by the teams.
The Fatsa district continues to grapple with the aftermath of this natural disaster, with authorities and response teams remaining vigilant and working around the clock to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents.
