18.02.2026 10:31
Heavy rainfall affecting the western regions of Turkey negatively impacted life in İzmir, Çanakkale, and Aydın. While some areas experienced flooding and inundations, the sea level in İzmir rose up to 85 centimeters. A photo taken in Çanakkale revealed the magnitude of the disaster.
Heavy rainfall affecting the western regions of Turkey has negatively impacted life in İzmir, Çanakkale, and Aydın. Due to the intense rain, some areas experienced flooding and inundations, while infrastructure inadequacies worsened the situation.
In cities where streets and avenues turned into lakes, vehicles struggled to move, and transportation came to a standstill on some main arteries. While teams continued water drainage and cleaning efforts, authorities warned citizens to be cautious of sudden floods and inundations.
SEA LEVEL RISES 85 CENTIMETERS IN IZMIR
The rainy weather system and southerly winds gaining strength in İzmir led to a significant rise in sea level. According to data from the Pasaport measurement station, the sea level, which was around 45–50 centimeters in the morning, rose to 80–85 centimeters by the evening. Experts state that the primary reason for this rise is the falling air pressure and the simultaneous effect of the southerly winds.
PRESSURE DROPPED, SEA SWELLED
The air pressure measured around 1005 millibars in the morning dropped below 1000 millibars during the day. With the decrease in air pressure, the sea surface showed a tendency to rise. This situation was exacerbated by the southerly winds that intensified in the afternoon, pushing water towards the shore and causing a noticeable increase in sea level in the Gulf. The heavy rain in the evening also played a significant role in the rise of sea level.
WIND STRENGTHENED AFTERNOON
While the wind speed was mild in the morning, it increased after noon, reaching between 6–9 meters/second at times. Especially between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, the wind intensified, increasing wave height along the coastline and causing wave overtopping in some areas.
In risky areas, especially along the Alsancak Kordon and Karşıyaka coastline, İzmir Metropolitan Municipality teams activated pump systems against the risk of backflow in the drains, while fire crews responded to flood alerts. The municipal police also continued regular patrol activities along the coastline.
IN ÇANAKKALE, THE DAM FILLED, SARICAY ROSE
After the heavy rainfall in Çanakkale, the water level in Atikhisar Dam reached 100%. Subsequently, the dam's spillway was opened. Both the downpour and the opened spillway caused Sarıçay to overflow. Due to the flooding, some businesses in the area and the areas used as stops by village minibuses were submerged. Vehicles at the stop were saved at the last moment by drivers, while some boats in the Sarıçay bed sank. Meanwhile, the overflowing Sarıçay was captured by drone.
This photo taken in Çanakkale revealed the extent of the disaster.
HOUSES EVACUATED IN AYDIN
In the Söke district of Aydın, where rainfall was effective, a flood alert was issued due to the rising flow of the Kızılkilise Stream. An evacuation decision was made for at-risk houses in Atatürk Neighborhood. Under the coordination of the Söke District Governorship, police and municipal teams evacuated citizens from their homes and placed them in hotels in safe areas.