Dam reaches overflow point: Evacuation order for 15 neighborhoods and 7 villages

Increased rainfall in recent days has caused the water level in the Almus Dam, located in the Yeşilırmak basin, to reach a critical point. Assessments indicate that the dam is approaching its control and safety limits, and the risk of water overflowing from the spillways is steadily increasing. For this reason, temporary evacuation procedures have been initiated in some neighborhoods and villages in the region, primarily in Turhal.

The Turhal Disaster Coordination Board convened in light of current data received from the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) and the Turkish State Meteorological Service, and activated emergency action plans. The statement included the following: “In line with information received from the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works and the Turkish State Meteorological Service, it is anticipated that the Almus Dam is reaching its capacity and that the spillways will overflow on the night of Tuesday, 19.05.2026, or the morning of Wednesday, 20.05.2026. Therefore, it has been decided by unanimous vote to implement the following measures regarding potential flooding in the Turhal district: the temporary evacuation of the Müftü, Kazımkarabekir, Pazar, Meydan, Fatih, Varvara, Hamam, Borsa, Çevlikler, Hacılar, Celal, Yunus Emre, Yavuz Selim, Camikebir, and Kova neighborhoods, as well as the Kızkayası, Arapören, Elalmış, Sütlüce, Şatroba, Tatlıcak, and Samurçay villages, for the duration of the disaster.”

Due to the potential for flooding resulting from the dam being full, an evacuation order was issued for a total of 15 neighborhoods and 7 villages. Evacuation efforts are ongoing in the relevant areas for the safety of the citizens.

The imminent threat of flooding in the region has also prompted shopkeepers on Cumhuriyet Street to take action. Many shop owners have protected their businesses against potential flooding using sandbags and tarpaulins. In some workplaces, it was observed that they were attempting to prevent water from seeping inside by applying silicone foam to door and window gaps. Meanwhile, some businesses operating in high-risk areas have suspended operations and kept their doors closed for security reasons.

As of last night, the water level in the Yeşilırmak River has risen significantly. It was noted that the water has reached the level of pedestrian bridges in certain spots. Authorities are frequently warning citizens to stay away from riverbeds and areas at risk of flooding.

Two days ago, additional security measures were implemented after the water in the dam reached a critical level. The Çedaş Bridge in the city center of Turhal was removed due to the risk of flooding. Tokat Mayor Mehmet Kemal Yazıcıoğlu stated the following regarding the matter: “As you know, a serious flood disaster is expected in Tokat and locations near Tokat. A flood disaster also occurred in Turhal, Niksar, and Erbaa. As you know, the Almus Dam spillway in the center of Tokat is now about to overflow; that is the information provided. It is estimated that once this spillway overflows, it will reach the center of Tokat within 6 hours. Since it was stated that it would arrive in about 6 to 6.5 hours, we had to remove the Çedaş Bridge. This was not a bridge compliant with the State Hydraulic Works. It is being demolished by joint decision.”

Authorities continue their efforts regarding evacuation, security, and the monitoring of high-risk areas to minimize potential negative outcomes.