Rainfall Revives Turkey's Van Crops and Syria's Hatay Waterfall

Heavy rains this year have transformed the Van Lake basin in eastern Turkey. After a period of severe drought, about 270 mm of precipitation fell in the first six months of 2024, greening fields and pastures. Farmers are harvesting hay for sale at 100‑150 lira per bale and plan to meet livestock feed needs. Prof. Murat Tunçtürk of Van Yüzüncü Yıl University noted wheat yields of 196 kg per decare, up from 136 kg the previous year, and said, "Buğday boyları yaklaşık 90‑100 santimetreye kadar ulaşmış durumda."

In southern Syria’s Hatay province, the Cehennem Creek – a tourist waterfall that ran dry last year amid drought – has resumed a vigorous flow as intense rains and melting mountain snow feed the stream. Local guide Muhammet Köse described the revival: "Yüksek kesimlerdeki karın erimesi sonucunda oluşan bir şelale… bu yıl çok güzel bir yağış oldu." The creek now draws picnickers and hikers, though the water is expected to diminish again in late summer.