23 July 2010 / AHMET ALTUN , ERZURUM
A heavy downpour caused a flood in the eastern province of Erzurum on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of six members of the same family.
According to news reports, Keziban Kocabaş (26), Aysel Kocabaş (8), Yusuf Kocabaş (7), Cüneyt Kocabaş (2), Sezer Kocabaş (10) and Mahide Kocabaş were killed when their house in the village of Saçlık, in Erzurum’s Horasan district, was hit by the flood. Their bodies were taken to the Erzurum Council of Forensic Medicine (ATK) for autopsies. According to news reports, a number of tents, blankets and food packages have been dispatched to the village by the Turkish Red Crescent (Kızılay). Officials from the Turkish Red Crescent noted that they will continue to provide what is necessary for the flood-stricken village.Environment and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroğlu expressed sadness over this tragedy that resulted in the deaths of six people. Eroğlu noted that he has instructed officials in Erzurum and Kars as well as the State Waterworks Authority (DSİ) in Artvin to launch intensive work in the village. Health Minister Recep Akdağ also said the government would extend its helping hand to people who have suffered property damage in the flood.
