Rize region hit by severe flooding and landslides

Severe rainfall, floods, and landslides have caused significant damage across the Rize province in Turkey’s Black Sea region. In the Pazar district, over 200 kilograms of rain per square meter fell within a 12-hour period, leading to the precautionary evacuation of approximately 40 homes due to landslide risks. Rize Governor İhsan Selim Baydaş reported significant infrastructure damage and commercial losses, though no fatalities have been recorded.

In the İyidere district, specifically in the Fıçıtaşı neighborhood, heavy flooding caused a road to collapse by approximately 60 centimeters. Local officials noted that while retaining walls remained intact, the surrounding terrain gave way. In the Of district, municipal teams are working to mitigate the effects of flooding and landslides to assist affected residents.

Damage assessment teams from AFAD and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change are currently on-site to evaluate the extent of the destruction to roads, utilities, and businesses.