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Floods

Devastating Floods and Drought Hit Turkey

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Floodwaters have ravaged the Black Sea region of northern Turkey, leaving many residents stranded and prompting large-scale rescue operations. Meanwhile, severe drought has gripped other parts of the country, with national rainfall plummeting to its lowest levels in 52 years. Authorities are working to respond to the disasters, allocating emergency funds and deploying personnel and equipment to affected areas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Seventeen people stranded by flooding in Turkey's Black Sea region were rescued by military helicopters on Monday, authorities said.
  • Heavy rains have triggered landslides and inundations that have collapsed roads and bridges across Rize, Giresun, Artvin, and Trabzon provinces.
  • Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu announced 14 million liras (about 338,000 U.S. dollars) in emergency funds have been allocated to Rize.
  • 1,428 personnel, supported by 567 pieces of machinery and equipment, are engaged in response and recovery efforts.
  • Turkey received 401.1 kilograms of rainfall per square meter between October 2024 and August 2025, 27% below the long-term average.
  • Precipitation in Southeastern Anatolia dropped more than 53% below seasonal norms.
  • The Mediterranean region recorded its driest year in 51 years, while the Marmara and Aegean regions saw their lowest rainfall in 18 years.
  • In the capital Ankara, this water year was the driest in 47 years.

Statistics:

  • 17 people rescued by military helicopters
  • 14 million liras (about 338,000 U.S. dollars) in emergency funds allocated to Rize
  • 1,428 personnel engaged in response and recovery efforts
  • 567 pieces of machinery and equipment deployed to affected areas
  • 401.1 kilograms of rainfall per square meter over 9 months (2024-2025), 27% below long-term average
  • 53% decrease in precipitation in Southeastern Anatolia
  • 51-year low in rainfall in the Mediterranean region
  • 18-year low in rainfall in the Marmara and Aegean regions
  • 47-year low in rainfall in the capital Ankara

Sources:

  • Xinhua
  • COMTEX
  • Turkish Ministry of National Defense
  • State Meteorological Service

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