24.02.2026 17:21
After the heavy rainfall in Edirne, the rising river waters put the city at risk of flooding, while a familiar name also faced difficult moments: Former Mayor Hamdi Sedefçi, whose garden was quickly surrendered to the river waters, could only be evacuated from his trapped home with the help of a boat.
After the heavy rainfall in Edirne, river flows increased, and the risk of flooding rose. Especially in the residential areas near the river, the water level reached a critical point, while former Edirne Mayor Hamdi Sedefçi was among those trapped.
RESCUED BY BOAT
As the floodwaters rose, Sedefçi's garden was filled with water. Teams dispatched to the area upon notification rescued Sedefçi by boat from his garden and evacuated him to a safe area. Those moments were recorded by nearby citizens with their mobile phone cameras.
"I REQUESTED HELP WHEN THE GENERATOR MALFUNCTIONED"
After the evacuation, Sedefçi stated that his health condition was good. He expressed that he used an oxygen device connected to a machine at home, and that the oxygen machine operated on a generator, adding that he called the municipality for help due to a problem with the generator.
REACTION TO CHANNEL WORKS
Sedefçi, who reacted to the recent channel works carried out in the area, stated that they were assured that there would be no flooding. He claimed that there were serious mistakes in the construction of the channel, arguing that the slope and ground applications were done incorrectly, and that areas where concrete should have been used were filled with sand.
"They said there would be no flooding, so we started to stay there. However, the constructed channel is full of mistakes. There are errors upon errors. Today, I had to come here by boat," he stated.
WARNING TO CITIZENS
Authorities warned citizens, especially those living near the river and in low-lying areas, to be cautious. It was noted that the water level in the area is being monitored in real-time, and evacuation and security measures are ongoing.