Turkey: Flooding in Ankara leaves at least four injured May 5

Event

Heavy rain fell on Ankara on Saturday, May 5, prompting flash flooding on streets in Mamak district which left at least four people injured and damaged some 160 vehicles and 25 businesses. Cleanup efforts reportedly began on Sunday, May 6; lingering traffic and commercial disruptions are possible in affected areas in the coming hours and days. More rainfall is forecast in Ankara in the coming days, which may cause further localized flooding and additional traffic disruptions.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to keep abreast of the situation, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, prepare for associated traffic disruptions, and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders). Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.