Criticism of disaster response rises as floods hit Turkey’s quake-ravaged southeast
At least 14 people have died in flooding in earthquake-ravaged Adiyaman and Sanliurfa provinces, leading to renewed criticism of the government’s emergency response.
ISTANBUL — Floods have brought more misery to southeast Turkey, sweeping away tents and container shelters housing the survivors of February’s earthquake. The floodwaters also brought further criticism of the government’s disaster preparation and response.
At least 14 people were killed as rains on Tuesday and Wednesday turned streets into surging torrents. Adiyaman and Sanliurfa provinces, both of which suffered during last month’s earthquake, were hit hardest. Tent and container “cities” housing those left homeless by the earthquakes were deluged by the surging waters.
Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said 12 people were killed by the floods in Sanliurfa while two others died in neighboring Adiyaman. Rescue teams were still searching for five people reported missing in three locations, he added.
In the Adiyaman town of Tut, a container home housing a family was swept away and one person killed, according to Numan Hatipoglu, the provincial governor.
