The odor that mobilized AFAD in Sakarya: 'We cannot breathe'

An unknown odor spread across many neighborhoods in the Erenler district of Sakarya. Citizens who smelled it panicked and took to the streets.

Disturbed by the intense odor and taking to the streets wearing masks, citizens claimed that the smell was coming from the Sakarya River. AFAD, as well as fire department, natural gas authorities, and police teams were dispatched to the area where it was alleged that chemical substances had been dumped into the river.

Teams have launched an intensive effort to determine the source of the odor. The work of the teams, who are taking samples from the Sakarya River, is ongoing.

"IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STAY BECAUSE OF THE ODOR"

Oğuz Bertan, who resides on 3043rd Street in the Küpçüler neighborhood and went outside due to the smell, said, "We were sitting at home when suddenly an odor similar to natural gas spread. We went outside and saw that the entire neighborhood was out. We called the natural gas authorities. They came here and started their investigations. It is said that chemical waste was dumped into the Sakarya River; it is impossible to stay because of the odor. We are not worried about ourselves, but we have children."

"WE CANNOT BREATHE"

A citizen named Atilla said, "Currently, poison is flowing from the Sakarya River.

Our children, our elderly, we cannot breathe. It is said that toxic waste has been dumped into the river," he stated.

STATEMENT FROM THE GOVERNOR OF SAKARYA

Sharing the initial assessments regarding the work carried out by the teams in the region following the incident, Sakarya Governor Yaşar Karadeniz stated, "In AFAD's measurements, the values are well below the danger threshold. The teams are investigating the source of the odor."

News Source: İHA