The flood toll continues to grow in Turkey after the floods that hit the north of the country last week. Friday the government agency responsible for natural disasters (Afad) reported at least 25 dead in the provinces of Kastamonu, located on the Black Sea, and two in neighboring Sinop. The new report released by the authorities on Monday reported at least 70 dead.
It could get even heavier. According to the government agency for the management of natural disasters (Afad), 47 people were still missing after the floods which occurred after heavy rains on Wednesday in provinces located on the Black Sea.
Pressure on Erdogan
In the district of Bozkurt, one of the most affected, rescuers searched during the weekend the rubble of homes destroyed by the waves, wading up to mid-thigh in the mud. On Monday, excavators were clearing piles of trees, road signs and other objects carried by the water, assisted by soldiers with shovels, according to images broadcast by Turkish television channels.
The floods, the deadliest Turkey has seen in decades, came at a time when the country was just recovering from large fires that left eight people dead and ravaged southern tourist areas. For many experts, natural disasters like the ones that follow one another in this country are likely to become more frequent and violent due to global warming caused by human activity.
Several politicians and associations have increased pressure on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to take radical measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Turkey is one of the few countries that did not adopt the 2015 Paris climate agreement.