Turkey: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across multiple regions as of June 8

Event

Disruptions due to flooding have been reported across multiple regions of Turley as of June 8 and further adverse weather is expected across much of the country. Heavy rainfall triggered flooding across parts of the capital Ankara June 7, leading to dozens of people having to be rescued from a flooded building and at least 11 injuries. Several roads in the city were inundated by floodwaters, causing severe traffic disruption in the capital. Flooding was also reported in other parts of Ankara Province June 7, including Bala district, as well as in Cerkes district in Sivas Province. Previous heavy rainfall June 3-4 triggered flooding and landslides in Burdur, Cendik, and Golhisar District in Burdur Province. The adverse weather caused one fatality, three injuries, and damaged around 30 homes. Flooding also affected parts of Cal, Civril, and Tavas districts in Denizli Province June 3.

Further heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across parts of central, northern, northeastern, and southern Turkey through the rest of June 8, before conditions begin to improve. The storms may be accompanied by strong winds, hail, and possible tornadoes. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding, landslides, and associated disruptions, especially over areas where the ground is already saturated by previous rainfall. Turkey's General Directorate of Meteorology has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) for the following provinces June 8: Adana, Aksaray, Amasya, Ankara, Antalya, Ardahan, Artvin, Bayburt, Bolu, Burdur, Cankiri, Corum, Giresun, Gumushane, Isparta, Mersin, Karabuk, Kars, Kastamonu, Kahramanmaras, Karaman, Kayseri, Kirikkale, Kirsehir, Konya, Nevsehir, Nigde, Ordu, Osmaniye, Rize, Samsun, Sinop, Sivas, Tokat, Trabzon, and Yozgat.

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. 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.

Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at airports across the affected regions. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Black Sea and Mediterranean coasts 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 potential 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, 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

Turkey General Directorate of Meteorology