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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.

Turkey flood
A family leaves a camp for those displaced after the Feb. 6 earthquake during heavy rains in Diyarbakir, on March 15, 2023. Flash floods killed at least 14 people living in tents and container housing across Turkey's quake-hit region, piling more pressure on President Recep Tayyip Erdogan ahead of elections. — ILYAS AKENGIN/AFP via Getty Images

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. 

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