Turkey logs 66 weather-related disasters in August as rain totals double

Turkey's Directorate General of Meteorology released figures indicating 66 weather-related disasters occurred in August, the majority being heavy rain and flooding. The month recorded an average of 16.2 kilograms of rain per square meter, surpassing the long-term August average by 10% and more than doubling the amount measured in August of the prior year. Provinces such as Karaman, Mersin, Hatay, Kayseri, Adana, Malatya, Sivas, Erzincan, Tunceli, Elazığ, Adıyaman and Bingöl experienced rainfall up to four times the usual level.

Flooding disrupted traffic in Giresun and inundated homes and storage facilities in Malatya's Hekimhan district, while streets in Adana were also affected. Near month-end, downpours and hail hit Ardahan, Kars and Erzincan, causing additional farmland damage.