Camps, caravans gone in hours as central Türkiye hit by unexpected flood

At Erciyes Mountain, a scene of sudden change has unfolded following a period of heavy and continuous rainfall. Around Tekir Lake, caravans, tents, and container-style shelters that had been set up along the lakeside were directly affected as the water level began to rise rapidly. 

Tekir Lake is located at an altitude of around 2,200 meters, and it is typically known as a seasonal natural area where visitors set up temporary accommodation during the warmer months. However, with the recent surge in water levels, the shoreline began to shift noticeably, and areas that are usually dry and accessible started to disappear under water. The expansion of the lake changed the overall layout of the landscape in a short period of time.

As the water continued to rise, tents, caravans, and container-style shelters placed along the lakeside were directly affected. These structures, which are normally used by people seeking a cool retreat away from the city heat, became surrounded by water or partially submerged. 

Locals in the area watched the situation with surprise, noting that they had never seen Tekir Lake reach such a level before. Many expressed both amazement and concern at how quickly the environment had changed, as the rising water reshaped a place they knew well. 

73-year-old Duran Turanari shared his reaction to Ihlas News Agency that in all his years living in the region, he had never witnessed the lake in such a state. “I am 73 years old. I have never seen it like this before.” He added that the year had been particularly abundant in rainfall and that he and others took photographs to capture the remarkable scene.