Heavy hail struck the southeast region of Turkey with notable force. Reports indicate that in Antalya, hail and snowfall arrived with surprising intensity, shaping daily life in several communities. The unexpected weather pattern caught residents off guard, especially in Manavgat and Serik, where hail the size of golf balls was observed in certain areas. As a precaution, drivers sought shelter in underground parking structures or beneath the canopies of service stations while weather services tracked the storm’s path. Snowfall accompanied the hail, compounding travel difficulties and slowing traffic in parts of the province.
The weather event extended beyond hail and snow, bringing heavy rainfall that contributed to local disruptions. In the days that followed, many parts of Antalya Province experienced widespread rainfall and mud flows, challenging infrastructure and transportation networks. Local authorities urged residents to exercise caution and heed official advisories as roads remained slick and some routes faced temporary closures.
In the broader regional context, significant seismic activity affected Southeast Turkey in February. A pair of powerful earthquakes, measuring 7.7 and 7.6 on the moment magnitude scale, triggered widespread devastation that reverberated into neighboring countries, including Syria. Officials described the event as a historic disaster, and responses from national and international agencies were mobilized to assist affected communities. In the ensuing weeks, authorities reported substantial loss of life among foreign nationals as a result of the earthquakes, with thousands of fatalities recorded overall. The human impact extended across border regions, underscoring the scale of the emergency and the need for sustained humanitarian support and rebuilding efforts.
Property damage from the seismic events in Southeast Turkey reached a substantial level, with estimated losses running into trillions of Turkish Lira. The financial toll reflected extensive damage to homes, businesses, and essential infrastructure, highlighting the long road to recovery for the affected areas. Emergency services, engineers, and community volunteers worked together to stabilize damaged sites, assess structural safety, and coordinate relief supplies for residents who were displaced or otherwise impacted by the disasters.