Transportation Chaos as Black Sea Floods: Streams Overflow, Roads Turn into Lakes
Severe floods caused by heavy rainfall have impacted several provinces in Turkey, leading to road closures and evacuations. The Meteorology Department issued warnings for 19 provinces, including Artvin, Giresun, Ordu, Samsun, and Trabzon, where the “orange” warning level is still in effect. The downpour resulted in floodwaters in streams in Ordu and caused the closure of the Black Sea Coastal Road in both directions between Giresun and Samsun. The Bolu Mountain Tunnel on the TEM Highway was also closed due to a landslide, affecting the traffic flow from Ankara to Istanbul.
In response to the situation, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya and Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç visited Bartın, one of the affected provinces, to assess the damage and coordinate relief efforts. Minister Yerlikaya emphasized that the Meteorology Department had provided warnings in 19 provinces and Minister Tunç expressed his condolences to those affected by the floods. Both ministers assured the public that all necessary measures were being taken to support the affected areas.
Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Abdulkadir Uraloğlu provided an update on the road closures and ongoing work to reopen them. So far, 14 previously closed roads have been reopened, with work continuing on 7 others. Minister Uraloğlu advised road users to take alternative routes and use the Ankara-Eskişehir-Bilecik-Sakarya direction until further notice.
Citizens were urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to follow the instructions provided by relevant authorities and road teams. The forecast indicates that heavy rainfall will continue in the affected regions, prompting authorities to advise caution and only travel if absolutely necessary.
Furthermore, a yellow warning was issued for Artvin, Giresun, Ordu, Rize, Samsun, Sinop, and Trabzon for the current day, indicating the expectation of further heavy rainfall.
Several provinces have already experienced the consequences of the downpour, with Düzce, Bartın, Samsun, Zonguldak, and Bolu being particularly affected. Flooding and landslides have caused road closures, damaged infrastructure, and disrupted daily life. Evacuations have been carried out, and emergency services are working to provide assistance and relief.
The situation remains dynamic and is being monitored closely. Authorities have urged citizens to stay informed about the changing conditions and follow official instructions for their safety.
