Deluge causes floods on Gökçeada island, authorities plead for assistance

ÇANAKKALE

The stormy weather has caused material damage across Gökçeada, resulting in electricity supply cuts in local grids. DHA Photo

Heavy rains in Turkey’s Aegean coast caused floods on the island of Gökçeada (Imroz), off of Çanakkale province, in the early hours of May 2, prompting the local administrators to set up an emergency commission.

The stormy weather has caused material damage across the island, resulting in electricity supply cuts in local grids. Cattle on the island, where sheep farming is an important feature of the economy, have also been affected by the floods and scores of animals have lost their lives, the authorities have said.

“What we have experienced is an authentic natural disaster. It is good news that there was no human loss, but the situation is very bad,” Mayor Ünal Çetin said, pleading for assistance in order to overcome the damage.

“Only 5-10 minutes after the rain grew in intensity, waters started to run down from the mountains to the island’s center. Many cars were swept away by the waters and homes as shops were flooded. Locals who were trapped were rescued. But Gökçeada cannot overcome this situation alone, with the tourism season approaching,” Çetin added.

The emergency commission set up by the local administration will determine the extent of the damage on the island. Gökçeada is one of Turkey’s largest inhabited islands and a major touristic and cultural spot.