Newsletters
Dozens of families in Hatay have been left without a place to stay after floods hit the southern Turkish province, killing five people and destroying homes, workplaces and farmland across Samandag, Defne and Antakya.
The disaster came as many residents were still trying to rebuild their lives after the earthquakes that struck Türkiye in 2023. Speaking to ANKA News Agency, flood victims said their belongings had been ruined by water and mud, while the temporary accommodation provided to some families was already nearly depleted.
Emel Karacay, whose home was filled with mud and floodwater, said there was almost nothing left to use inside the house. She said officials had come to take photos and told residents they would look into the situation, but no meaningful help had followed.
Karacay said the Asi River, also known internationally as the Orontes River, had risen during heavy rains before, but never to the extent that caused such devastation. Describing the night of the flood, she said residents woke up submerged in the water and had to climb onto the roof before firefighters rescued them.
“We opened our eyes in the water. If there had been electricity at that moment, we would not be alive now,” she said.
She added that even basic household items had been lost, the pots and pans were gone, while animals, homes, and workplaces had also been damaged.
Karacay said the government agencies were shifting blame rather than helping residents clear the floodwaters. She said the State Hydraulic Works, known in Türkiye as DSI, referred them to the municipality, while the municipality directed them elsewhere.
She said that the local governor’s office arranged a five-day hotel stay for people whose homes could no longer be used, but that period was already running out.
“Today is the third day. Where will we stay?” she asked.
She also said Hatay Metropolitan Mayor Mehmet Onturk had announced that cleaning would be carried out in affected homes, but no one had arrived.
Nehide Cemaloglu said the mud left behind by the flood had made her clothes unusable and that she no longer had a washing machine. She said she was trying to wash white clothes by hand, but the mud would not come out.
Cemaloglu said the combined impact of the earthquake and the flood had left her exhausted and without anywhere to go. She also pointed to the limits of her income, saying she receives a monthly old-age pension of ₺6,000, while even bread costs ₺15.
“What will I do with a ₺6,000 old-age pension?” she said.
Sabah Demir said earthquake survivors living in tents and containers have lost everything for a second time. She stated that roughly 10 families had taken shelter in a garden after losing their homes, only to have a subsequent fire destroy their newly acquired belongings.
Demir said many aid organizations and officials had visited after the fire and, once again, after the flood, filming and taking photos. But the residents had not seen any results of the visits.
“With this flood, this became the third disaster,” she said.
Survivors say official support has not reached them
Serap Kubbe said the floodwater entered her home suddenly and with strong pressure, leaving her surrounded by water. She said she managed to survive but could no longer sleep in her house because of the damage and mud left behind.
She said residents needed the authorities to step in, but felt ignored after the disaster.
“Not even one official said, ‘Get well soon,’” she said.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
3 min read
