How Did 17 People Get Rescued from Floods in Turkey's Black Sea Region?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic rescue operation, 17 individuals were saved from severe flooding in Turkey's Black Sea region. Military helicopters were deployed to evacuate those stranded as torrential rains caused widespread destruction. Explore the impact of these floods amid contrasting severe drought conditions in other parts of Turkey.
Key Takeaways
- Seventeen people were rescued from severe flooding.
- Military helicopters were deployed for the rescue operation.
- Floods caused significant damage in Rize, Giresun, Artvin, and Trabzon.
- Emergency funds of 14 million liras were allocated for recovery.
- Turkey is facing contrasting weather conditions with drought in other regions.
Istanbul, Sep 22 (NationPress) On Monday, military helicopters swooped in to rescue seventeen individuals who were trapped by devastating flooding in Turkey's northern Black Sea region, according to officials. The torrential rains have wreaked havoc, leading to extensive damage across the area.
Since Saturday, these floods have triggered landslides and inundations that have resulted in collapsed roads and bridges in the provinces of Rize, Giresun, Artvin, and Trabzon, leaving numerous residents isolated and sparking significant rescue operations.
As reported by the Ministry of National Defence, two helicopters from the Land Forces Command and one from the Air Forces Command were deployed to Rize, effectively evacuating all 17 individuals.
Currently, helicopter access is the only means of reaching Rize's highland plateaus due to the aftermath of the floods. Local news outlets have reported that riverside bungalows, which are a popular tourist attraction for their stunning views, have been completely swept away.
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu disclosed that an emergency fund of 14 million liras (approximately 338,000 US dollars) has been allocated for Rize's recovery, with 1,428 personnel and 567 pieces of machinery actively involved in response efforts.
In contrast, other regions of Turkey are grappling with severe drought conditions, as national rainfall levels have fallen significantly below long-term averages, threatening water supplies and agriculture.
Data released on Monday by the State Meteorological Service revealed that Turkey experienced 401.1 kilogrammes of rainfall per square metre from October 2024 to August 2025, which is 27 percent below the average and 29 percent lower than the previous year, marking the lowest rainfall recorded in 52 years.
The most significant drops have been observed in Southeastern Anatolia, where precipitation is down by more than 53 percent compared to seasonal norms. The Mediterranean region has faced its driest year in 51 years, while both the Marmara and Aegean regions experienced their lowest rainfall in 18 years. Ankara recorded its driest water year in 47 years, with only parts of the Black Sea region reporting above-average rainfall.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the severity of the crisis and the government’s response. With heavy rains causing devastation, the swift action of military forces highlights the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters. As Turkey grapples with both flooding and drought, the need for strategic resource management becomes paramount.
NationPress
23/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people were rescued from the floods?
Seventeen individuals were rescued by military helicopters during the recent flooding in Turkey's Black Sea region.
What caused the flooding in Turkey's Black Sea region?
The flooding was caused by severe and heavy rains that triggered landslides and inundations across the area.
What regions were affected by the flooding?
The provinces of Rize, Giresun, Artvin, and Trabzon were significantly affected by the flooding.
What measures are being taken for recovery?
The Turkish government has allocated emergency funds and deployed personnel and machinery to assist in recovery efforts.
How does this flooding contrast with other regions in Turkey?
While the Black Sea region is experiencing flooding, other parts of Turkey are facing severe drought conditions.
