A climatic Analysis Of The Floods Of 4th July And 6th August 2012 In Samsun

In this study the climatic characteristics and impacts of two floods which took place in Samsun in the summer of 2012 were examined. 12 of our citizens lost their lives in the flood which took place in Samsun on the 3-4 July 2012. This flood was particularly powerful in Canik municipality of Samsun’s Central district. The flood was caused by the overflowing waters of Yılanlı stream which is a tributary of Mert River. The basement floors of the TOKI housing estate established on the section where Yılanlı Stream converges with Mert River was the hardest hit area. The Samsun Organized Industry Zone established down along the valley was also flooded. The second flood took place on the 6th of August 2012 and the worst impact was felt by Ilkadım and Atakum Merkez districts of Samsun. The floods which took place in Samsun in the summer of 2012 were caused by sudden downpours. Particularly during both periods the Samsun area was exposed to fierce downpours of a cyclonic nature. On the 4th of July within only a few hours 68,4 mm per m2 and on the 6th of August 2012 127 mm of rain poured down. These values are over 30-60 fold of daily average rainfall for 35 years. At the end of both floods 1111 homes, 1507 offices, 327 storages, 36 public buildings and 23 barns and haylofts were damaged by flood waters. Due to the flood the Samsun-Sinop highway was covered with a 30 cm thick layer of mud and transportation was postponed for 3-4. The tram line was also under water and incapacitated for 6 hours.