20.05.2026 14:51
In the Turhal district of Tokat, due to the Almus Dam reaching its maximum capacity, shopkeepers have not opened their shops and have taken precautions with sandbags and foam against potential flood risks. Additionally, evacuation has begun for 15 at-risk neighborhoods and 7 villages, and citizens are being placed in KYK dormitories.
The fullness of the Almus Dam Lake in Tokat has reached 100 percent today due to winter and spring rainfall. It was decided to temporarily evacuate 15 neighborhoods and 7 villages at risk starting this morning due to the risk of the dam overflowing.
SHOPKEEPERS TAKE PRECAUTIONS
The Disaster Coordination Board convened with an emergency agenda based on the latest data from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) General Directorate and the General Directorate of Meteorology. During the evaluations, it was stated that the Almus Dam had reached its maximum capacity and that the spillways were expected to overflow.
Many shopkeepers on Cumhuriyet Street along the Yeşilırmak River, which is predicted to be affected by the possible flooding, were seen not opening their shops in the morning hours. Shopkeepers wanting to protect their workplaces against floods placed sandbags in front of their doors and took precautions with tarpaulins and plastics. Some shopkeepers were observed closing door and window gaps with silicone foam to prevent water entry. Teams continue their precautions and coordination efforts in the area.
BRIDGE BEING DEMOLISHED AGAINST FLOOD RISK
Following the heavy rainfall in Tokat, the controlled demolition of a bridge on the Yeşilırmak River in the New Yeşil Small Industrial Zone has begun to mitigate potential flood risks. A board composed of Tokat Governorate, Tokat Municipality, the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) Directorate, AFAD Provincial Directorate, and Tokat Special Provincial Administration conducted a technical inspection in the area. As a result of the inspection, a joint decision was made to demolish the bridge, which was determined to obstruct water flow and increase flood risk. Following the decision, demolition work began with machinery dispatched to the area. Tokat Municipality and AFAD teams are simultaneously carrying out the opening of an evacuation channel and the controlled diversion of water around the bridge.
GENDARMERIE WARNS CITIZENS IN VILLAGES
In line with the decision of the Turhal Disaster Coordination Board, gendarmerie teams dispatched to the area warned citizens using megaphones from their vehicles. Teams touring the villages requested residents living near the riverbed to evacuate their homes as a precaution. Evacuation efforts continue under the coordination of police and AFAD.
CITIZENS BEING PLACED IN DORMITORIES
Meanwhile, accommodation opportunities were provided by Tokat Governorate for citizens who have no place to stay in the evacuated areas. Service vehicles were allocated to safely transport citizens to evacuation points. Those forced to leave their homes were placed in KYK dormitories and public guesthouses.