19.05.2026 10:22
It was decided to temporarily evacuate 15 neighborhoods and 7 villages in the Turhal district of Tokat, which are at risk due to the Almus Dam reaching its filling stage, starting from tomorrow morning.
The Turhal Disaster Coordination Committee convened with an emergency agenda based on the latest data received from the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works and the General Directorate of Meteorology. In the assessments, it was stated that the Almus Dam has reached its maximum capacity and spillway overflows are expected. Within the scope of measures taken against potential flood risks in the Yeşilırmak basin, it was decided to evacuate hazardous residential areas.
15 NEIGHBORHOODS AND 7 VILLAGES BEING EVACUATED In a statement made by the committee, it was said: "In line with the information received from the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works and the General Directorate of Meteorology, the Almus Dam has reached its filling stage. Therefore, considering that the spillways are expected to overflow on the night of Tuesday, May 19, 2026, or the morning of Wednesday, May 20, 2026, it has been unanimously decided to temporarily evacuate the neighborhoods of Müftü, Kazımkarabekir, Pazar, Meydan, Fatih, Varvara, Hamam, Borsa, Çevlikler, Hacılar, Celal, Yunus Emre, Yavuz Selim, Camikebir, and Kova, as well as the villages of Kızkayası, Arapören, Elalmış, Sütlüce, Şatroba, Tatlıcak, and Samurçay, which are at flood risk, during the disaster period."
EDUCATION SUSPENDED IN AMASYA AND TOKAT Education was suspended in some districts of Amasya and Tokat against potential flood and inundation risks.
In a statement from the Amasya Governorate, it was stated that due to the heavy rains affecting the region in recent days, floods have occurred in the Yeşilırmak River and its feeding streams. The statement included the following expressions:
"WATER LEVEL IN YEŞILIRMAK WILL INCREASE SIGNIFICANTLY" "Due to the heavy rains effective across our region in recent days, floods have occurred at some points in the Yeşilırmak River and the streams feeding the river. According to data received from the meteorology, it is anticipated that as rains continue in our region and the Tokat Almus Dam is expected to reach full capacity and release water on Tuesday, May 19 (tomorrow), the water level in the Yeşilırmak River will increase significantly and floods may occur. Considering all these possibilities, to prevent any negative situation, education and training have been suspended for one (1) day on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in all public and private nurseries, kindergartens, primary schools, middle schools, high schools, vocational training centers, non-formal education institutions, maturation institutes, private teaching courses, and special education and rehabilitation centers in our central district of Amasya and our district of Taşova (including their villages)."
EDUCATION SUSPENDED FOR 3 DAYS IN TOKAT TURHAL Meanwhile, a statement also came from the Tokat Governorate. It announced that due to the heavy rains affecting the region and the increasing flood risk in the Yeşilırmak Basin, education has been suspended for 3 days in the Turhal district.
In the public information notice from the Tokat Governorate, it was stated that due to recent heavy rains, floods have occurred at some points in the Yeşilırmak River and its feeding streams. In the statement, which noted that rains are expected to continue according to meteorological data, it was expressed that the Almus Dam is projected to reach full capacity and release water on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Therefore, it was reported that the water level in the Yeşilırmak River could increase significantly and new floods may occur. The statement announced that to prevent potential negative events, education has been suspended on May 20, 21, and 22 in public and private nurseries, kindergartens, primary schools, high schools, vocational training centers, non-formal education institutions, special education courses, and special education and rehabilitation centers throughout the Turhal district. Meanwhile, it was also stated that pregnant and disabled staff working in public institutions and organizations would be considered on administrative leave for the same dates.
The Governorate called on citizens to follow official warnings and be cautious, avoiding risky areas, especially riverbeds.