Navigating Rize’s Landslide History: Prevention and Recovery Efforts

The Black Sea province of Rize recently experienced heavy rainfall that led to over 10 homes being evacuated due to minor landslides. The rain, which intensified in the early hours of October 22, affected several areas, including the village of Derecik in Çayeli district, causing significant disruptions. With two homes collapsing due to the landslides, local authorities declared them uninhabitable. Thankfully, no residents were harmed, as one occupant was evacuated just before the situation worsened.

The region is no stranger to landslides. One of the damaged houses had previously been designated a disaster area following a major landslide in July 2021. The situation in Derecik has worsened, with soil mass blocking a streambed, forming a pond. Despite the immediate dangers, local authorities and residents have come together to minimize further risks by trimming hazardous trees and assessing the damage. Cleanup efforts are well underway, with teams actively working to clear blocked routes and restore the area to normalcy.

The Rize Governor's Office released a statement highlighting the extent of the damage across the province. Landslides occurred at 95 different locations, affecting five districts. Authorities inspected 42 homes and decided to build disaster prevention walls for four of the homes and relocate 15 due to the high risk of further landslides. This preventive strategy reflects the province's ongoing struggle with unstable terrain exacerbated by continuous rain.

In the aftermath of the landslides, efforts have been made to ensure the affected areas have access to essential services like electricity and water. Temporary power is being supplied to Derecik via a generator due to damage to the high-voltage lines. Agriculture and Forestry teams are also assessing the impact on livestock and farmland, aiming to support local farmers affected by the disaster.

Local authorities continue to advise residents to exercise caution, especially with the ground still saturated from prolonged rain. Ongoing road development work and the construction of disaster prevention walls are vital steps toward restoring normalcy in the region. With climate change increasing the likelihood of such events, the need for robust disaster preparedness measures has never been more critical.