AFAD President Okay Memiş: ‘If warnings are heeded, loss of life and property can be prevented’

AFAD President Okay Memiş, who visited the provinces where orange and yellow alerts were issued due to heavy rainfall in the Eastern Black Sea Region, stated that if citizens take the warnings into account, loss of life and property damage can be prevented. After visiting the provinces of Samsun and Ordu, where orange alerts were issued, and then Giresun, where a yellow alert was issued, AFAD President Okay Memiş held a meeting with Governor Mehmet Fatih Serdengeçti, Giresun Mayor Fuat Köse, AFAD officials, and other institutional authorities. Following the meeting, Memiş made a press statement, emphasizing the importance of citizens heeding the warnings to prevent any casualties or damages. He mentioned incidents where individuals faced risks due to heavy rainfall in several provinces such as Samsun, Ordu, Muş, and Erzurum. Moreover, Memiş urged the residents of provinces under yellow alerts, such as Giresun and Trabzon, to pay attention to the warnings provided by authorities to ensure their safety. He highlighted the dangers of crossing streams or driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall. Memiş also shared information about the measures taken to reduce risks, including the rehabilitation of rivers and streams across Turkey, especially in the Black Sea region, through a protocol with the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ). He expressed gratitude towards President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Minister of Interior, and Minister of Agriculture and Forestry for their support in these efforts.