A second avalanche swept over rescue teams in Van province on 5 February 2020, turning an emergency operation into one of Turkey’s deadliest winter disasters.
Rescuers caught by a second slide
The first avalanche had struck a minibus and snow-clearing vehicle near Bahçesaray. Hundreds of emergency workers and local volunteers went to the mountain road to search for people still missing. The following day, another mass of snow descended onto the same area, burying many of those taking part in the operation.
Officials reported a combined death toll of at least 38 on the day, with dozens more injured; later assessments increased the number. The disaster prompted scrutiny of weather assessment, access control and responder safety in avalanche zones.
Why it mattered
This event formed part of Turkey’s political, security, economic or social record in 2020 and continued to shape public debate beyond the immediate news cycle.
Sources
Featured image is illustrative and credited in the media attachment; it is not presented as an image of the event.
Mehmut is a scholar, author and political commentator specializing in relations between Turkey and the European Union. He earned his PhD in the United States, where his doctoral research examined the political, diplomatic and institutional dimensions of EU–Turkey relations.
Throughout his academic and professional career, Mehmut has written numerous articles addressing Turkey’s relationship with Europe, democratic development, social justice, political reform and the country’s changing role in regional and international affairs. His work combines academic analysis with a strong interest in the practical challenges confronting Turkish society.
Mehmut is committed to promoting a democratic, secular and socially just Turkey founded on equality, human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law. He advocates peaceful political participation, accountable public institutions and policies that protect workers, disadvantaged communities and citizens from every section of society.
Through his research and writing, Mehmut seeks to contribute to informed public debate about Turkey’s future. He believes that meaningful democratic reform, social solidarity and constructive engagement with Europe can help Turkey build a fairer, more inclusive and more prosperous society.
Mehmut Naser
Zeynep Aziz
