[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The death toll from floods in the northern Black Sea coastal region of Turkey is rising significantly.
On the 15th (local time), Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) issued a statement announcing that the number of deaths due to the floods has increased to 57.
In the statement, AFAD reported that 48 people died in Kastamonu Province, 8 in Sinop Province, and 1 in Bartın Province.
Turkey's Minister of Interior S?leyman Soylu stated at a joint press conference with the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources that a total of 76 people are missing in Kastamonu and Sinop provinces.
Minister Soylu said, "We airlifted 20 tons of food to the affected areas by helicopter," adding, "We are doing our best to support the victims."
Minister of Environment and Urbanization Murat Kurum said, "At least 454 buildings in the three provinces suffered severe damage," and "Authorities will work to build new buildings within next year."
According to AFAD, 3,547 personnel were deployed in Kastamonu, 1,910 in Sinop, and 918 in Bartın for rescue and relief operations.
AFAD also reported that 1,580 people in Kastamonu, 533 in Sinop, and 341 in Bartın were evacuated to safe areas by helicopter and boat.
The Turkish Red Crescent (an Islamic organization corresponding to the Red Cross) also announced that 233 volunteers, 9 food trucks, and 54 rescue vehicles were deployed to the affected areas.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, during his visit to Bozkurt in Kastamonu, the hardest-hit area, on the 13th, said, "As a nation, we will do our best," and "We will rise again from the ashes."
President Erdo?an declared the flood-affected areas as disaster zones the day before, stating, "We will take necessary measures after assessing the damage situation."
Once declared a disaster zone, residents and business owners in the area will have their tax payments and loan repayments deferred.
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