Severe weather conditions have hit the Black Sea region, particularly affecting the coastal districts of İnebolu and Abana in Kastamonu province, as well as parts of Zonguldak and Sinop. The storm, accompanied by strong winds and high waves, has disrupted daily life and maritime activity across the region.
Coastal Damage in Kastamonu
In İnebolu, powerful waves smashed into the shoreline, damaging pavements along the coastal road and carrying stones and debris onto İsmetpaşa Street. Part of the İnebolu–Cide highway was temporarily reduced to a single lane due to debris accumulation, with traffic redirected to operate in both directions on the remaining lane.
In the nearby district of Abana, rising sea levels overwhelmed the Şehit Ömer Şenel Fishermen’s Harbor, prompting fishermen to stay by their boats overnight to prevent damage. Many secured their vessels to safer locations as wave heights reached around four meters and were expected to rise further.
Local fisherman Mustafa Acar said the situation remains critical.
“The waves are getting stronger and may reach five meters. The harbor has been damaged before in similar storms, and we are trying to prevent further losses by constantly checking our boats and ropes,” he said.
Flooded Harbor in Zonguldak
In Zonguldak, waves reportedly reached up to seven meters, overtopping the breakwater at Kozlu Harbor and flooding fishing shelters inside the port area. Fishermen attempted to block incoming water with wooden barriers and pumped out water to prevent further flooding.
Debris carried by the sea filled parts of the harbor, forcing fishermen to move boats and fishing nets outside the port for protection.
Fisherman Yıldıray Kasap said improvements were needed to protect the harbor from extreme weather.
“The sea flooded the port again. We face these natural disasters frequently and need better infrastructure to protect our livelihoods,” he stated.
Shipping Disrupted in Sinop
In Sinop, storm winds exceeding 50 kilometers per hour disrupted maritime traffic. Several international cargo vessels sought shelter in the İçliman area, while local fishermen were unable to go out to sea.
The Sinop Governor’s Office issued a public warning, urging residents to remain cautious and take necessary precautions until the storm subsides.
Storm Expected to Continue
Meteorological authorities warned that the storm is expected to remain effective until the morning of December 31, advising coastal communities, fishermen, and maritime operators to stay alert.
Experts note that increasingly frequent and intense storms in the Black Sea region highlight the growing impact of climate-related extreme weather on coastal infrastructure and local economies.
source: AA
