Turkey reports rising drownings amid heatwave, multiple rescue efforts

A heatwave has coincided with a surge in drowning incidents across Turkey, prompting extensive search and rescue operations. In Artvin’s Şavşat district, a truck overturned into a river on 15 June, killing the driver’s son and leaving the father, Selahaddin Kaya, missing as of the 16th day of the search. In Bitlis’s Mutki district, 12‑year‑old Abdulaziz Şeflek was found dead after falling into a stream; his brother Enes also died and another sibling was injured.

In Bingöl’s Genç district, 34‑year‑old Vedat Karabulut disappeared in the Sarım Çayı on 14 June and his body was recovered on the 17th day, 2.5 km from the incident site. In Ordu’s Ünye district, 17‑year‑old Aytekin Ergin vanished after being swept by waves on 28 June; his body was found three days later on nearby rocks. Similar reports include a 14‑year‑old missing in the sea and other child drownings.

Authorities, including AFAD, Jandarma search‑and‑rescue units, police, fire services, and volunteer groups, have coordinated boat, land, and underwater searches, employing drones, divers, and specialized equipment. Eight provinces have temporarily banned sea entry due to dangerous conditions.