After the earthquake: Devastating floods inundate Turkey

After the catastrophic earthquake, the next disaster has occurred in south-eastern Turkey.

The earthquake and its numerous aftershocks on 6th February 2023 claimed the lives of more than 48,000 people in Turkey alone. Hundreds of thousands of people were left homeless and have been housed in emergency shelters such as tents.

Approximately five weeks after the earthquake, heavy rains have inundated the same area, causing severe floods.

At least 14 people have been reported dead, with five still missing. Water swept away cars, damaged roads and bridges, and people had to swim to safety.

In the province of Sanliurfa alone, one of the hardest hit regions, there were 12 fatalities. Flooding also occurred in the south-eastern Turkish metropolis of Diyarbakir.

The governor of Sanliurfa called on residents to stay in their homes or seek safe areas if necessary. Residential buildings and the local hospital emergency room in the area was flooded. Schools were closed for at least one day too.

Heavy rain had already caused problems for people in the earthquake-hit regions. In Iskenderun in the Hatay province, water penetrated the recovery tents.