02.01.2026 13:54
An avalanche occurred in the Adnan Menderes and Bahçelievler neighborhoods of the Çatak district in Van. A 61-year-old woman named Gülnaz Bitik, who was rescued from under the avalanche injured, died in the hospital she was taken to. 22 houses were evacuated as a precaution, and residents were placed in school dormitories. An investigation has been launched regarding the incident.
The first morning of the new year in the Çıtak district of Van began with fear. An avalanche fell in some neighborhoods of the district.
In the Adnan Menderes neighborhood, on Sultan Street, an avalanche fell on the houses belonging to Fahrettin Şavan and Sadun Şavan early in the morning. Although there were no injuries, significant damage occurred in the house filled with snow.
1 PERSON MISSING, 22 HOUSES EVACUATED
Following the avalanche disaster, authorities immediately took action and decided to evacuate 22 houses in the neighborhood. As the houses were evacuated one by one, citizens were placed in school dormitories.
Subsequently, an avalanche also fell in the Bahçelievler neighborhood. It was reported that one person was injured and one person was missing as a result of the avalanche. Many citizens headed to the area upon notification, and teams were alerted.
113 PEOPLE EVACUATED
The houses in the neighborhood continue to be evacuated due to risk. So far, 113 people have been evacuated from the area. Citizens are being placed in various dormitories and guesthouses in the district. Additionally, a crisis desk was established in Çatak under the chairmanship of District Governor Kadir Kılıç.
BAD NEWS CAME
Gülnaz Bitik (61), who lived in the Bahçelievler neighborhood, was trapped under the avalanche that fell in the morning hours. As a result of the efforts of the teams dispatched to the area, Bitik was rescued with injuries and was taken to Çatak State Hospital after the first intervention.
Despite all the interventions made here, Bitik could not be saved and lost her life. An investigation has been initiated regarding the incident.
AVALANCHE WARNING FROM METEOROLOGY
In the Çatak district, where 105 settlements are closed to transportation, the Meteorology 14th Regional Directorate also issued a snowfall warning. The statement said, "It is predicted that there will be intermittent heavy and locally intense snowfall in the southern districts of Van (Edremit, Bahçesaray, Çatak, Gevaş, Gürpınar, and Başkale). Due to the avalanche risk in steep slopes with a high snow cover in our region, it is necessary to be cautious and take precautions against possible adverse events."