NEWS DESK- Istanbul Governor Davut Gül made a new statement following the flood disaster in Ayazağa. Stating that efforts have begun to improve the riverbed and reduce flood risks in the region, Governor Gül announced that the process to remove the structures surrounding the river is ongoing.
19 SHOPS, 2 RESIDENCES AND A STADIUM WILL BE DEMOLISHED
Gül stated that a total of 19 shops, 2 residences, a Quran course, a stadium, and the stadium stands will be demolished in the area. He highlighted reasons such as the structures subject to the demolition decision being located within the riverbed, being structurally vulnerable to earthquakes, or having title deed and license issues.
AN ONSITE OFFICE HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR URBAN TRANSFORMATION
Stating that urban transformation efforts have also begun in the region, Governor Gül announced that the Directorate of Urban Transformation has set up an office in the area. Conveying that different options are being worked on to enable citizens to rebuild their homes, Gül stated that property owners can rebuild their buildings through their own means, via a contractor, or through TOKİ (Housing Development Administration). Gül emphasized that their aim is to alleviate the grievances of the citizens and take necessary measures to prevent similar events from happening again.
RIVERBED IMPROVEMENT WORKS HAVE STARTED
Stating that efforts are ongoing to clear the narrowing sections of the riverbed following the flood disaster, Gül said that, in particular, trees inside the river and elements that could obstruct water flow will be cleared.
Referring to İSKİ's (Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration) river improvement project, Gül noted that the route of the project has been determined and the works are being carried out by the relevant institutions. In response to a question regarding the situation of the school in the region, he stated that the institutions are evaluating alternatives.
SEARCH OPERATIONS CONTINUE IN ŞİLE AFTER THE FLOOD
Explaining that flooding occurred in Şile following heavy rainfall, Governor Gül said that a significant portion of the teams was directed to the region. Stating that water inundations occurred due to the flood, Gül stated in his initial statement that there were no casualties or anyone stranded. He reported that damage assessment studies will be conducted after the water recedes and that measures to prevent new floods will be evaluated.
A 17-KILOMETER LINE SEARCH FOR MISSING PERSONS
Touching upon the efforts for missing persons, Gül stated that searches are also being conducted in Istanbul's Pendik district in connection with the incident in Kocaeli's Gebze district. Conveying that the entire 17-kilometer river line in the region is being evaluated, Gül stated that searches are continuing on land, along the river, and at sea. He noted that coast guard and underwater teams, particularly in the Golden Horn, are participating in the efforts.
SUPPORT FOR CITIZENS AFFECTED BY THE FLOOD
Stating that support efforts for citizens affected by the flood are ongoing, Gül said that the majority of the water and mud that formed in the first phase has been cleared. He expressed that requests regarding subsequently arriving or newly formed water floods are also being met by the teams.
Gül announced that the Ministry of Family and Social Services has provided an allocation of 200 million liras, and the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen will transfer 80 million liras to be used for the needs of the tradesmen. He stated that the efforts are being carried out in cooperation with relevant ministries, public institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
NEW LOCATION OF THE STADIUM WILL BE CLARIFIED NEXT WEEK
Making a statement regarding the relocation of the stadium in Ayazağa to another area and the creation of new areas for young people to do sports, Gül said that the works are planned to be finalized within the next week.
Expressing that they expect life in Ayazağa to largely return to normal with the cessation of rainfall, Gül stated that both emergency response efforts and long-term transformation and prevention projects will be continued.
