UPDATE 3 - Floods in Turkey’s Black Sea region have claimed 6 lives: Officials

UPDATES WITH TURKISH PRESIDENT'S PHONE CALL WITH LOCAL OFFICIALS

By Seda Sevencan and Beyza Binnur Donmez

ISTANBUL (AA) – This week’s floods in Turkey’s Black Sea region have claimed at least six lives, and at least one person is missing, officials said Thursday.

Floods due to heavy rains hit the northern Black Sea region on Wednesday, leaving six people dead in the Kastamonu province and one missing in the Bartin province, said the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

Rescue and relief teams have been deployed to flood-hit areas, and the search for the missing is ongoing, according to officials.

While evacuations of some areas continue, the Turkish Red Crescent is also on the scene to help people affected by the natural disaster.

Meanwhile, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Thursday spoke with local officials of flood-hit areas over phone and ensured that Turkey is using all available means to help people recover after the floods.