28 Jun 2022 | 10:54 AM UTC
Turkey: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across northern regions as of June 28 /update 1
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of northern Turkey as of June 28. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding triggered by recent heavy rainfall are ongoing across parts of northern Turkey as of June 28. The floods have impacted many provinces across the Black Sea coast after storms brought heavy downpours June 26-27. Amongst the worst-affected provinces are Bartin, Duzce, Kastamonu, Sinop, and Zonguldak. Two people have been reported missing in Duzce and Kastamonu provinces. Several roads across the region have been blocked by flooding and landslides triggered by the saturated soil. The Bolu Mountain Tunnel was closed in the Istanbul direction following a landslide. Over a hundred people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas and at least 118 villages have been cut off by flooded roads. Power outages have been reported in 31 villages across the affected region. Flooding also caused damage to water supply infrastructure in Duzce.
Further thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are forecast across the region through at least June 29. The Turkish State Meteorological Service has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) for Bartin, Duzce, Giresun, Karabuk, Kastamonu, Ordu, Samsun, Sinop, and Zonguldak provinces June 28. The yellow warning area extends further south to other provinces inland from the Black Sea June 29. Officials could update and possibly extend the coverage of the weather alerts over the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity, water supply, 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. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports in the region, including but not limited to Ankara Esenboga Airport (ESB), Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), and Istanbul Ataturk Airport (ISL). Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and track inundation.
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, or 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 is possible. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
