Heavy rain hits Trabzon and Rize, triggering floods and landslides

Torrential rain struck the eastern Black Sea provinces of Trabzon and Rize on the night of 18 September, causing flash floods, landslides and widespread transport disruption. In Rize's İyidere district, rainfall surpassed 150 kilograms per square metre, flooding the town centre and damaging nine neighbourhoods and seven villages. Mayor Saffet Mete said seven houses were evacuated as a precaution and no lives were lost.

Rize Governor İhsan Selim Baydaş confirmed peak accumulations of 186 kg per square metre, with totals possibly reaching 200–250 kg. He attributed the flooding to landslide debris blocking drainage culverts along the coastal highway between İyidere and Of. Crews from the highways authority, DSİ and the municipality have been clearing the material since overnight.

“We are grateful above all: there has been no loss of life in our province.”

In Trabzon, the governor's office recorded localised totals of around 50 kg per square metre. A coordination meeting led by Governor Tahir Şahin mobilised 780 personnel and 456 vehicles from AFAD, the metropolitan municipality, fire brigade, highways and other agencies. By early morning, blocked roads had been reopened and electricity cuts resolved.

Meteorological forecasts warn of a new rain system moving in from the west after midnight, bringing an additional 50 kg per square metre to Trabzon's western districts and Ortahisar. Eastern districts including Arsin face continued heavy rain through the night. Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay away from streambeds and landslide-prone areas.