23.02.2026 18:49
An evacuation operation has been initiated for citizens and animals stranded in the Bosnaköy area due to flooding caused by the overflow of the Meriç River in Edirne. Evacuations are ongoing in the region where water levels have reached approximately 2.5 meters in some places.
With the increase in water levels in the Meriç and Tunca rivers in Edirne, agricultural areas in the floodplain are submerged, and stranded animals are being rescued.
Recent rains, snowmelt, and the release of water from dams in Bulgaria have caused the water level in the rivers in Edirne to rise on February 19. After the Tunca River overflowed, the historical Sarayiçi and Kırkpınar Er Meydanı, where the Kırkpınar Oil Wrestling takes place, were submerged. Due to the overflow of the Meriç River, partial floods occurred in the Bosnaköy area, which is connected to the city center, where vineyard houses are located.
ROADS CLOSED
The roads from Alibey-Karayusuflu to Rahmanca-Hasırcı Arnavutköy in the Meriç district were closed to traffic due to the increased river flow. Access to the villages is being provided via alternative routes. In the Subaşı town of the Meriç district, rice fields were also submerged. In the town, municipal construction machines continued to work to prevent the spread of floodwaters. Yesterday, water spread over a wide area due to the bursting of the embankment.
SOME HOUSES COMPLETELY SUBMERGED
The floods have not only affected cultivated lands but have also put producers engaged in small livestock farming in the region in a difficult situation. The water level around Bosnaköy reaching approximately 2.5 meters in places has greatly hindered access to the village. While the surroundings of some houses were completely submerged due to the flood, small livestock and dogs in animal shelters were also stranded. Search and rescue teams dispatched to the area upon notification conducted intense and coordinated operations. In operations where interventions were made with boats from time to time, stranded small livestock and dogs were evacuated to safe areas.
EVACUATIONS CONTINUE
In the operations supported by AFAD teams and additional rescue teams, stranded citizens are being taken by boats and transferred to vehicles waiting by the riverbank. Authorities reported that scanning activities and evacuation operations in risky areas in the region are continuing without interruption.