02.01.2026 13:16
Heavy snowfall in the Baykan district of Siirt has led to a major disaster. The roof of three adjacent barns belonging to a farm in the Veyselkarani town collapsed under the weight of the accumulated snow, trapping approximately 600 small livestock under the snow and debris. Many animals perished in the collapse, and the vehicles on the farm also became unusable.
The heavy snowfall that has been affecting the Baykan district of Siirt has led to a major disaster. The weight of the snow caused the roofs of three adjacent barns to collapse, resulting in many small livestock being trapped under the rubble and losing their lives. Two tractors and one pickup truck located on the farm also became unusable due to the collapse.
NIGHTTIME DISASTER
The incident occurred around 2:00 AM in the Atatürk neighborhood of the Veyselkarani town, which is part of the Baykan district. Due to the heavy snowfall that continued throughout the night at the farm owned by Mehmet Emin Arıtürk, the snow accumulation on the roofs of the barns exceeded the structural load capacity. As a result, the roofs of the three adjacent barns collapsed with a loud noise.
600 SMALL LIVESTOCK TRAPPED UNDER THE RUBBLE
Approximately 600 small livestock that were in the barns were trapped under the rubble during the collapse. Initial inspections conducted after the collapse revealed that many animals had perished. It was also learned that the two tractors and one pickup truck inside the barn were severely damaged and became unusable due to the collapse.
TRACTORS AND PICKUP TRUCK BECAME UNUSABLE
Upon notification, gendarmerie, AFAD, and municipal teams were dispatched to the area. The teams began damage assessment work in the rubble area while taking security precautions. It was noted that the cold weather and snowfall made the rescue efforts for the surviving animals more difficult.
The farm owner, Mehmet Emin Arıtürk, stated that the disaster caused significant financial damage, saying, "We lost everything in one night. Our animals perished, and our vehicles became unusable. We are seeking support from the authorities."
WARNING FROM AUTHORITIES
Authorities warned that snowfall in the region may continue and emphasized that citizens, especially those engaged in agriculture and livestock, should take precautions against roof loads.