Torrential rains, storm hit coast towns in western Turkey

Scores of homes, commercial venues and hotels were flooded yesterday in Bodrum in the southwestern province of Muğla following torrential rains and furious storms that raged through much of western Turkey.

Some citizens accused officials of not taking enough measures in response to the downpour.
“For years, we have been going through the same disaster, the same disgrace. No measures are taken. [We have] Polish tourists in our hotel. They were utterly nonplussed when they woke up in the morning and saw that the pool and lower floors were flooded with muddy waters,” said Taner Kalender, manager of the Kalender Hotel in Bodrum.

Meteorology officials warned the current climactic conditions would continue until tomorrow with intermittent breaks and urged citizens to take the necessary measures. Some 15.2 centimeters fell per square meter in Bodrum, with winds sometimes blowing at 65 kilometers per hour, causing material damage in some areas. Many homes, shops and hotels in the districts of Gümbet, Bitez, Konacık and Turgutreis were flooded, while some businesses on the Kumbahçe and Paşatarlası beaches were also affected by the downpour.

Meanwhile, the Aegean province of İzmir received the heaviest rains in the country today, according to reports. Within 24 hours, the province received about as much rain as it receives throughout the entire month of October. Firefighters were mobilized in the province to prevent flooding, particularly in the district of Konak, while numerous traffic accidents reportedly occurred in the city center due to the downpour.


/AzerTAc/