Turkey: Storm causes severe damage in coastal Antalya

By Ali Kemal Akan

ANTALYA, Turkey (AA) - Turkey's southern coastal Antalya province, which was hit by a powerful storm on Tuesday, has suffered severe damage, Turkey's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said Wednesday.

According to an AFAD statement, rescuers and disaster management officials from AFAD and the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) have monitored the areas affected by the strong storm and heavy rainfall, especially in the Kas, Finike, Demre and Kumluca districts.

The organization said the Tuesday's tornado devastated houses, agricultural land, greenhouses, gardens, pylons, and cars close to the shoreline when a waterspout merged with the storm.

Out of the 29 injured people, 25 were later discharged, while the remaining four are still receiving treatment at hospitals in the city, said AFAD, adding that 50 container homes and 50 tents had been shipped to the area to help residents.

According to a local meteorology official, the estimated speed of the whirlwind reached 200 kph (nearly 125 mph).