In Türkiye’s northeastern Arhavi district, heavy rainfall has triggered severe flooding and landslides, causing a section of the main asphalt road connecting the town center to surrounding villages and highlands to collapse. The rising Kapisre Stream intensified the flooding, leading to the collapse of the Ortancalar highway, which serves 17 villages. Repair work is now underway, with teams working to stabilize the road running parallel to the stream.
The downpour, which began in the evening, flooded streets in Arhavi, disrupting daily life and causing significant challenges for both drivers and pedestrians. The increased water levels in the Kapisre Stream, which flows through the town center, prompted authorities to implement safety measures.
In Hopa’s Sundura neighborhood, a 56-year-old woman who was stranded while picking tea was successfully rescued by teams from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Hopa Search and Rescue.
The flooding and landslides have forced the closure of 32 village roads across the region—18 in Arhavi, 8 in Borçka, and 6 in Hopa. Provincial teams, including the Special Administration, Highways, and the State Hydraulic Works General Directorate (DSI), are actively working to clear and reopen the affected roads.
Governor and Mayor Provide Updates on Recovery Efforts
Artvin Governor Cengiz Ünsal has been conducting inspections in the hardest-hit areas of Arhavi and Hopa. A key section of Kale Mahallesi Mehmet Nazif Günal Street, which connects the town to nearby villages and highlands, collapsed after 174 kilograms of rain per square meter fell in the area.
Arhavi Mayor Turgay Ataselim reported that official data recorded 198 kilograms of rain per square meter, describing the situation as a disaster. “Thanks to the State Hydraulic Works, we have managed to address potential risks. Our village roads have sustained significant damage, and school transportation has been halted for two days, though education in the district continues. Minor water overflows occurred in the town center, but there are no major issues or significant material damage. All relevant teams are on-site, managing immediate interventions. The situation remains stable, but risks will continue until 8 p.m. We hope to avoid a second disaster,” Ataselim stated.
A 50-meter section of the collapsed road fell into the Kapisre Stream, and traffic is being rerouted via alternative routes. In another incident, the overflow of the Sundura Stream on the Hopa-Borçka highway caused a road collapse near Yanmış Köprü, restricting the road to one-way traffic. Teams are continuing their efforts to restore full access while maintaining necessary safety precautions.
Source: Daily Sabah
