Turkey – Torrential Rain Causes Flash Floods and Landslides in Mersin

Severe weather including strong winds, rain and snow has affected wide areas of Turkey over the last few days.

At least 2 people have lost their lives after heavy rain triggered landslides and flooding in the southern province of Mersin. Governor of the province, Ali İhsan Su, said in a statement that approximately 165mm of rain fell in 24 hours in Mersin. Heavy snow was also reported in higher elevations in the province.

Floodwaters inundated the districts of Mezitli, Yenişehir, Toroslar and Akdeniz. One person died in a vehicle trapped in flood waters in Mut district. Another victim died in the province after a landslide buried a house in Erdemli district.

At least 2 people died after severe floods hit Mersin in late December 2016, when over 140mm of rain fell in just 10 hours.

Heavy rain also triggered flooding in the neighbouring province of Antalya Province, where some homes were evacuated in Serik and Gazipaşa.

Strong winds and heavy rain battered Istanbul, causing traffic disruption and damaging over 100 buildings. The city government reported flooding in over 60 locations.

Winds reached over 104km/h and more than 110mm of rain fell in some parts of the city from 06 to 07 January, 2020.

The bad weather conditions also caused air travel delays after a plane skidded off the runway at Sabiha Gökçen Airport. All passengers were safely evacuated and there were no injuries reported.

Social Media

#Flood in #Mersin and #Antalya #Turkey #AA pic.twitter.com/ILHKS7lnyQ

— Anadolu Images (@anadoluimages) January 7, 2020

Mersin Silifke tasucu manzara hiç üç açıcı degıl #MersindeOkullarTatilOlsun pic.twitter.com/Ww9AWgP1Ng

— Gülperihanaltunbaş (@Glperihanaltun3) January 8, 2020