Turkey – Storm Causes Major Flash Floods in Balikesir Province

Over 147 mm of rain fell in the city of Bandirma in the province of Balikesir, northwestern Turkey, causing damaging flash floods.

Floods in Bandırma, Turkey, September 2018. Photo: Government of Bandirma / Balıkesir Province

In a statement earlier today, Governor Ersin Yazıcı said that much of the rain fell in a 1.5 hour period during the evening of 13 September, 2018.

Homes, shops and roads were damaged, including the Erdek to Bandırma road which has been closed. Emergency crews were working to re-open the road as soon as possible, the governor said. Full damage assessments will be carried out in due course. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM) reported that wide areas of the Marmara region, including Istanbul, experienced thunderstorms that began during the afternoon of 13 September.

Şarköy in Tekirdağ Province recorded 105.6mm of rain in 24 hours to 14 September, according to MGM figures.

The city of Kastamonu was hit with large hail during a storm. The hail smashed windows of vehicles and buildings and damaged roof tiles.

One person died and hundreds were rescued after flooding in Ordu Province in August this year.

Rainfall map of Turkey, 13 September 2018. Image: MGM

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Flood Summary

Last updated: September 19, 2018
Event
Balikesir Province, Turkey, September 2018
Date
September 13 to September 14, 2018
Type
Flash flood
Cause
Extreme rainfall

Locations

Bandirma

Magnitude

Rainfall level
147.2 mm in 24 hours
Bandirma - September 13 to September 14, 2018

Damages

Buildings damaged
30 buildings
Bandirma - September 13 to September 14, 2018
Estimated figure. Local government were yet to carry out full assessments but said that homes, shops and roads were damaged, including the Erdek to Bandırma road which has been closed.