[70749] Heavy floods in Ankara: Residents swept away by water currents after heavy rains

Floods and inundation in the capital of Turkey

Stormy weather led to severe flooding in various areas in the Turkish capital, Ankara, during the last day. According to TRT Haber, a Turkish state media outlet, city streets turned into literal rivers, which significantly hindered vehicle traffic. In footage from the field, a local resident is seen escaping a drowning attempt after clinging to an electricity pole to avoid being swept away by the intense water current.

The dramatic events escalated when rescue attempts by citizens became dangerous themselves. As reported by İhlas Haber Ajansı, a Turkish news agency, a group of citizens tried to rescue a person who was swept away by the flood, but as a result of the strong current, the rescuers themselves were also swept away with him. The difficult incident was documented on mobile phone cameras and distributed on social media.

The DoğruHaber network, which is identified with a conservative-religious approach, also confirmed the reports on the incident, noting that "the streets and alleys remained underwater" while drivers experienced significant difficulties on the roads. As of now, various media outlets are reporting damage to urban infrastructure and a real danger to the lives of residents who became trapped in the rushing waterways.