Death toll from floods in Turkey's Black Sea region rises to 78

By Baris Gundogan

ANKARA (AA) - The death toll rose to 78 from floods in Turkey's Black Sea region, authorities said Tuesday.

Heavy rain hit the region in the north of the country last Wednesday, leaving 62 people dead in the province of Kastamonu, said a statement by the Disaster and Emergency Management Agency.

Fourteen others died in Sinop province, along with one person in Bartin province. Seven victims are being treated at hospitals, it said.

A total of 341 people in Bartin, 1,480 in Kastamonu and 560 in Sinop were evacuated, added the agency.

It was also announced Monday that 47 people were reported missing in Sinop and Kastamonu.

Rescue and relief efforts continue in flood-hit areas with 8,100 personnel, 1,000 vehicles, 21 helicopters and 81 ambulances.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the worst-hit flood area in Bozkurt, Kastamonu on Friday.

Erdogan announced that places affected had been declared disaster zones and are slated for government aid.