Meteorology Directorate issues flood warning for northern Turkey

Heavy rainfall, which has been affecting northern Turkey since Monday, has paralyzed life in northern provinces, primarily in Sinop and Samsun, where 12 citizens were killed in flash floods triggered by torrential rains early in July this year.

The General Directorate of Meteorology has forecast that the more rain will come and has warned residents in Sinop and Samsun of the potential threat. The directorate also wants people to take protective measures against possible floods and landslides. It has also forecast that heavy rainfall will affect the Ordu, Trabzon and Rize provinces.

Heavy rain caused Kürtün stream in Samsun to overflow its banks on Wednesday and led to a flash flood in the area. Several houses, cars and fruit gardens were inundated in the deluge.

Meanwhile, a 71-year-old man trying to collect wood which the floodwater was carrying away was injured after he was also swept away in the 19 Mayıs district of Samsun on Wednesday.  

The man, Ayhan Asıl Kefeli, was pulled out of the floodwater by people around and taken to 19 Mayıs State Hospital for treatment. Kefeli was transferred to 19 Mayıs University where he later died.