Turkey: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in Aksaray and Kayseri provinces as of May 5

Event

Disruptions are ongoing across parts of Aksaray and Kayseri provinces as of May 5 due to flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rainfall. Affected areas in Aksaray Province include Guzelyurt and Selime in Guzelyurt District, and Kargin in Aksaray District. In Kayseri Province affected areas include the city of Kayseri, as well as Yahyali and Kocasinan districts. No casualties have been reported due to the flooding and landslides; however, several homes have been inundated by floodwaters and some roads have been made impassable due to surface water and debris from landslides. Authorities are undertaking response operations to clear roads and aid those whose homes have been flooded.

The Turkish General Directorate of Meteorology has forecast further heavy rainfall in Aksaray Province May 5-6, with light rainfall May 7, and heavy rainfall in Kayseri Province May 5-8. The additional downpours could hamper recovery efforts and trigger further flooding over areas where the ground is already saturated.

Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.

Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters.

Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites

Advice

Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.

Resources

General Directorate of Meteorology (Turkish)