05.05.2026 19:19
The lifeless body of the shepherd who went missing in an avalanche disaster in the Ardanuç district of Artvin was reached 125 days later.
In an incident that occurred in the village of Zekeriya on December 31, 2025, six shepherds and approximately 1,200 head of small livestock were caught in an avalanche while trying to bring their herds down from the plateau to the village. While three of the shepherds managed to survive on their own, the lifeless bodies of Suat Temel and Kerimullah Azizulla were found. Bülent Gezer disappeared under the snow.
SEARCH RESUMES AFTER 122 DAYS
Following the incident, operations launched by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), gendarmerie, and search and rescue teams were halted on the fourth day due to avalanche risk and adverse weather conditions. Despite the temporary suspension of efforts on January 3, teams continued daily measurements, observations, and risk analyses in the area. After recent assessments indicated a decrease in avalanche risk, search activities were resumed.
122 days later, on the fifth day of the renewed operations, Bülent Gezer's lifeless body was recovered from beneath the avalanche after 125 days.