Flood in Van province: 2 shepherds missing

* Photos: Anadolu Agency (AA)

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Heavy rainfall that began in Van's Başkale and Özalp districts yesterday (July 27) has led to a flood in the eastern province.

Albayrak and Güzeldere neighborhoods in Başkale and Sarıköy, Kaşıkara and Yünkuşak neighborhoods in Özalp have been hit by floods.

While several citizens have been stranded due to floods, several small cattle have been caught up in water and lost their lives.

Two shepherds missing

As reported by Mezopotamya Agency (MA), the citizens have said that two shepherds bringing the sheep from the highland have been missing, but there are no efforts to search and rescue them.

While there is no clear information as to the losses of life, no statement has been made by the officials about the issue. 

People stranded on the road

As reported by Rûdaw, Mehmet Ali Zengin, the Head of Sarıköy Neighborhood, and the ones accompanying him tried to go to the area struck by the flood in a tractor; however, as the road had been closed due to the rainfall and flood, they were stranded on the road.

Referred to the scene of the incident, Özalp Municipality teams have rescued the ones who were stranded on the road.

AA reported only on the interruption on the road

The only news reported by the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) about the flood has been the interruption of transportation. The related news report has indicated that the stones and soil coming from the higher parts of the region have closed the Van-Hakkari road to traffic and that dozens of vehicles on the road to Van, Başkale and Hakkari have been stranded.

The AA has further reported that the teams of the Van 11th Regional Directorate have opened the road to traffic after efforts for two hours. (TP/SD)