Professional climbers clear hazardous rocks in Şırnak

In the Komato region of Şırnak, which connects the Uludere and Beytüşşebap districts, AFAD and highway authorities are conducting controlled rock removal operations to prevent landslides and rockfalls. The work targets steep slopes where hundreds of loose rock blocks pose a significant threat to local settlements, businesses, and a heavily used highway.

To manage the high-risk terrain, professional climbers with international IRATA certification have been deployed to work on the steep slopes. These teams are systematically clearing hundreds of free-standing blocks that are prone to falling. Authorities noted that factors such as water freezing in rock crevices, mineral decomposition, and climate changes have increased the instability of these slopes.

Local officials stated that these mitigation efforts are essential to ensure the safety of drivers and residents in the area. The project aims to prevent potential disasters by addressing the physical and chemical weathering that causes rocks to detach from high elevations.