Storm and Floods Cause Widespread Damage in Ankara
Heavy rain and storms in Turkey’s capital, Ankara, flooded streets, damaged buildings, and disrupted daily life. The rainfall caused water to seep into the basements of homes and shops, while sewage systems overflowed. Some residents were trapped in their homes and had to be evacuated to safety with the help of rescue teams and neighbors.
The torrential downpour completely submerged roads, leaving drivers struggling to navigate. In some areas, vehicles were swept away by the water, resulting in property damage. Additionally, in the neighborhoods of “Keçiören” and “Çankaya,” strong winds toppled numerous trees, while part of a building’s roof collapsed in the “Mamak” district.
In one tragic incident, a wall collapsed in the “Adnan Menderes” neighborhood, injuring one person. Rescue teams pulled three people from the rubble. Local residents complained of facing similar problems every year and demanded immediate action from authorities.
The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality stated that it was managing the crisis with over 1,800 vehicles and 2,300 personnel. Temporary shelters were also set up for those affected.
In a dangerous turn of events, a man who had gone to a car wash to help his friend became trapped due to the sudden rise in water levels. He was eventually rescued through his own efforts and with the help of bystanders. Describing the terrifying moments, he said: “If it weren’t for my friend, I would have drowned. The water was up to my neck, and I couldn’t swim.”
Residents in the affected areas criticized the delayed response to the disaster and called for preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
