Antalya in Distress: The Flood that Shook Turkey's Tourist Gem. Devastating impact.
Antalya, a renowned tourist destination in Turkey, grappled with the aftermath of a severe weather event on the night of February 12.
A torrential downpour resulted in extensive flooding and widespread disruptions, with submerged vehicles, school closures, and grounded flights, reflecting the city's struggle to manage the deluge.
Regrettably, amidst the Antalya floods, a tragic incident occurred as an unidentified individual was discovered lifeless in a submerged vehicle within one of the passages.
The city center experienced water accumulation in various underpasses, causing traffic disruptions. The adverse weather conditions prompted transportation delays in specific areas, leading authorities to temporarily suspend classes in five central districts for a day.
In response to the aftermath of the deluge, authorities took prompt action. Classes in the central districts of Aksu, Döşemealtı, Kepez, Konyaaltı, and Muratpaşa were suspended for the day, accompanied by the issuance of an orange alert. This alert prompted the closure of educational institutions and the provision of administrative leave to select personnel. Additionally, due to inclement weather, the flight of the Antalyaspor football team was diverted to Gazipaşa Airport.
In the Kepez district, rainfall reached a substantial 280 kilograms within 24 hours, resulting in the formation of puddles on roads and underpasses, significantly disrupting public transportation.
The flooding not only disrupted daily life but also raised concerns about the safety and well-being of Antalya's residents. Emergency services worked diligently to assist those in need, initiating the gradual recovery process as the waters recede and cleanup efforts persist. As Antalya's residents confront the challenges ahead, the aftermath of this devastating weather event remains a focal point of attention and recovery.
This recent event highlights the substantial impact severe weather can have on events, communities, and individuals. It also serves as a stark reminder of the increasing challenges brought about by the climate crisis. This crisis contributes to more frequent and intense weather events, including storms, floods, hailstorms, and other natural disasters. It's a clear signal that we need to address climate change and its effects to protect the world we live in.
Chief forecaster and ideologist of the weather forecast service Pogodnik. Co-author of scientific articles and specialized content for various online media.
