Arab Weather - On Thursday, the city of Istanbul witnessed heavy rain storms that caused floods, as flood waters flooded the streets in some Turkish regions, and the metro stations in the city of Istanbul were exposed to flood waters, as huge amounts of water flowed into one of the metro stations, and it was filled with The stairs were filled with water, and they quickly ran down.
Video clips showed streets flooded with water and cars being lifted using cranes, while citizens made a great effort to save their property. Hence the question : Why do Istanbul floods occur suddenly?
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Answer: Zahir Hashem, an environment and climate expert based in Istanbul, explains that floods are among the common natural disasters around the world, and although there are multiple types of floods, flash floods are considered the most dangerous, as they can They strike any area, at any moment, and often occur within a period ranging between one and six hours. These flash floods result from sudden, heavy rains, leading to a rapid rise in water levels, flooding of roads, and causing significant material damage.
He also explained that the effects of flash floods are increasing and worsening in cities and urban areas. This occurs because the water flow rate in these areas is two to six times higher than what occurs in natural terrain, especially in cities that lack sufficient and effective drainage networks.
Hashem pointed out that the cause of heavy and sudden rains during the summer is due to high temperatures, which leads to an increase in the temperature of water bodies such as seas and lakes, and this contributes to increasing the formation of water vapor that is carried by hot air to high altitudes and as a result, clouds are formed. Exceptionally large and humid cumulus, which contains vast amounts of moisture more than winter clouds, and these clouds contribute to heavy and violent rain due to the movement of winds and the rapid flow of water droplets.
Hashim added that flash floods are one of the extreme climate phenomena that are becoming more frequent due to accelerating climate change, and are exacerbated by human activities, misuse of land, and unregulated urban expansion, which increases the impact of these devastating effects in urban areas. Flash floods can also increase groundwater reserves and fill dams. This supplies water basins with water, reduces their salinity, and increases soil moisture in the affected area.
The effects of flash floods are particularly devastating in cities, due to the large control of urban infrastructure such as asphalt and buildings that impede the drainage of large amounts of water. This problem increases the risk of floods in places that lack effective water drainage systems, and reduces the maintenance required for these systems. During the summer by concerned parties such as municipalities, which exacerbates the problem and increases the effects of flooding in cities.
Also know:
Türkiye floods: question and answer
Sources:
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