Turkey – Hundreds Evacuate Dramatic Floods in Rize and Artvin Provinces

by in Asia, Europe, News

More than 400 people evacuated their homes after major flooding struck in Turkey‘s Black Sea Region late on 21 July 2021.

Floods in Arhavi, Artvin Province, Turkey, July 2021. Photo: Government of Artvin

Turkey’s Ministry of Interior Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD) reported on 22 July that heavy rain caused rivers and streams to overflow in the region, in particular in the Arhavi and Murgul districts of Artvin province and Fındıklı district of Rize province.

Emergency teams including police and AFAD personnel rescued 6 people from floods in Arhavi, where the Arhavi river broke its banks, flooding areas of the town centre and many surrounding roads. A total of 450 people evacuated their homes in affected areas of the district. Meanwhile at least 9 people were rescued in Murgul district and transferred to safe areas. AFAD reported one person was still missing and another was injured in the floods in Murgul.

In the Fındıklı District of Rize province the Arılı and Çağlayan rivers broke their banks, damaging roads and leaving residents isolated.

According to figures from Turkey’s meteorological agency Meteoroloji Genel Müdürlüğü, Hopa in Artvin Province recorded 142.6 mm of rain on 22 July 2021, while Arhavi saw 121.5 mm; Murgul 97.6 and Fındıklı in Rize Provincce 79.6 mm.

Just over a week ago heavy rain triggered flash floods and landslides in the Province of Rize, leaving at least 6 people dead.

Flood rescue in Artvin, Turkey 22 July 2021 Photo: AFAD / Minister of Interior of the Republic of Turkey

Social Media