Rainfall Records Shattered in Eastern Anatolia

Quick summary

In April, Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia broke the precipitation record of the last 66 years, while Istanbul and western provinces remained 20 percent below normal. This sharp geographical disparity creates flood and landslide risk in the east, while deepening water scarcity and agricultural irrigation problems in the west.

Why it matters

Excessive rainfall in the east increases flood and landslide risk, requiring preparation for flood disasters, while drought in the west drives up agricultural costs and could be reflected in food prices. Such unbalanced distribution of water resources points to a long-term problem that could affect water supply and electricity generation costs.

Key takeaways

• ›Turkey's April rainfall ran more than 50 percent above seasonal averages nationwide.
• ›Eastern and southeastern Anatolia set their wettest April on record in 66 years.
• ›The uneven rainfall pattern — flooding in the east, dryness in the west — poses compounding challenges for agriculture and water management.