Teams face tough snow conditions on Mount Ovit – Latest News from Turkey
The recent snowfall in Rize has transformed the landscape of Ovit Plateau, located at an elevation of 2,640 meters in İkizdere district. The white blanket of snow has turned the plateau into a winter wonderland.
The Erzurum-Rize Highway, which runs through Ovit Mountain, has been temporarily closed to traffic due to heavy snowfall and an avalanche. The opening of the Ovit Tunnel has reduced the importance of this route, but the recent snowstorm has made it necessary to close the road for safety reasons.
In response to the closure, highways teams have sprung into action to clear the road and ensure that transhumants, who are returning with their animals from higher pastures, do not encounter any problems on their journey. The snow thickness on the road has reached 1 meter, making it difficult for vehicles to pass through.
Once the cleaning work is completed on the Ovit Pass, transhumants will be able to continue their journey back with their animals. The highways teams are working tirelessly to reopen the road as soon as possible and make it safe for all travelers. Winter has truly arrived in Rize, turning the region into a snowy paradise for both locals and visitors to enjoy.
