[REVISION HISTORY]

Flood mitigation and water management in Turkey

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2026-10-25 11:57 UTC → 2026-10-26 13:33 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Experts in Turkey have proposed various mitigation strategies to address flood risks caused by intense rainfall and urban encroachment. Recommendations include making rainwater harvesting mandatory in major cities like Istanbul to prevent over 50 percent of flood disasters and reinstating a 100-meter construction ban around ~~riverbeds to protect natural waterways.~~ riverbeds. Prof. Dr. Ömer Kara of Karadeniz Technical University has ~~further~~ emphasized the need for riverbed improvement, noting that debris carried by ~~floodwaters, such as stones and soil,~~ floodwaters contributes significantly to loss of life and property. Following these ~~expert~~ proposals, the Turkish government has moved toward implementing infrastructure projects. In Gümüşhane, the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) has prepared investments for the Yayladere Valley Rehabilitation and the Ünlüpınar Dam Irrigation Facility. In Tosya, efforts ~~continue to~~ focus on dam construction, while in Trabzon, the construction of the Uçarsu Gölet is progressing to provide sustainable drinking water by 2027. Recent heavy rainfall has underscored the ~~critical~~ need for improved stormwater ~~infrastructure. In Adıyaman, the local municipality has launched a~~ infrastructure, prompting rainwater drainage ~~project covering four neighborhoods. In Istanbul, recurring flooding~~ projects in ~~the Ayazağa neighborhood has drawn~~ Adıyaman and drawing criticism ~~from community leaders~~ regarding outdated infrastructure in Istanbul’s Ayazağa neighborhood. Political leaders are now calling for enhanced disaster preparedness. In Mersin, Anahtar Parti Provincial Chairman Gür Arslanyıkar emphasized the need to inspect stream beds and drainage channels across 13 districts, noting damage to industrial zones in Yenişehir and Mezitli. In Istanbul’s Şile district, AK Party Provincial Chairman Abdullah Özdemir highlighted the need for İSKİ to renew local infrastructure. ~~Beyond physical damage, health~~ He also announced that, following instructions from President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, damage assessments are being conducted to ensure rapid compensation payments. Health experts continue to warn of persistent ~~risks following flood disasters.~~ risks. Sema Aykol Faikoğlu of Istanbul Rumeli University noted that contaminated water and soil can lead to gastrointestinal issues and leptospirosis. Additionally, moisture in flooded structures can cause mold growth, leading to respiratory issues and allergic reactions.

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