Flash floods hit Turkey's northern province Ordu

By Mehmet Tosun

ORDU, Turkey

Flash floods caused by heavy rains in Turkey's northern Ordu province claimed one person's life and also damaged hundreds of properties, according to officials.

The victim, identified as Bayram Sekmen, was reportedly buried under mud and debris after a landslide in Seymenli in the Ikizce district, a local official told Anadolu Agency.

Vice President Fuat Oktay earlier told reporters that the rains damaged 66 houses and 264 shops and dozens of vehicles.

According to the Health Ministry, 10 people sought hospital treatment but eight of them have been discharged while the remaining two are under treatment for slight injuries.

Speaking to reporters in Ordu, Transportation Minister Mehmet Cahit Turhan said the flash floods also caused seven bridges across the province to collapse and badly damaged another.

The damaged bridge is out of service but will be repaired as soon as possible, he added.

According to Oktay, Turkey needs to rebuild the damaged houses and shops.

"The climate has been changing ... and so we also need a change of mindset," Oktay said.

Heavy rainfall starting Wednesday afternoon caused landslides and flooding in the region, especially in the Fatsa and Unye districts.

Many roads in Unye are reportedy closed to traffic as water levels rise.