Teacher missing in Turkish flood found dead

The search for a missing teacher, Mehmet Akkaya, who disappeared during a devastating flood in Turkey's Giresun province, has ended with the recovery of his body. Akkaya, a computer teacher, was among two individuals swept away when their vehicle was engulfed by floodwaters in the Karabulduk village area on August 13.

Following the incident, extensive search and rescue operations were launched along a 9-kilometer stretch of the Karabulduk River, involving nearly a thousand personnel, search dogs, and heavy machinery. The efforts extended to the sea as the search area expanded.

On August 18, the body of Akkaya's 16-year-old nephew, Muhammed Abdullah Hakkıoğlu, was found buried under mud near the submerged vehicle. The search for Akkaya continued.

On August 19, a body was discovered in the sea in the Ortahisar district of Trabzon. Preliminary assessments suggested it could be Mehmet Akkaya, prompting a forensic examination for definitive identification. The results from the Forensic Medicine Institution on August 20 confirmed the identity of the deceased as M.A., aged 45, matching Mehmet Akkaya.

With the confirmation of Akkaya's death, the Giresun Governorship announced the conclusion of the search and rescue operations. The governorate extended condolences to the families of the victims, expressing prayers for the deceased and patience for their loved ones.

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As a result of the report from the Forensic Medicine Institution on August 20, 2026, it was confirmed that the found person was M.A. (45). In this regard, the search and rescue operations have been concluded. We wish God's mercy on our citizens who lost their lives, and patience and condolences to their families, relatives, and loved ones.