BITLIS – Mehmet Cihan Aydın, founder of the Anatolian Underwater Research and Sports Association (ASAD), warned about the risks posed by ponds, noting that improperly built structures can lead to major loss of life and property.
An irrigation pond constructed collectively by the local municipality and residents in Yolalan town, in the central district of Bitlis, burst last night. Following the breach, flooding submerged the Düzköy neighborhood. While many homes suffered material damage, several barns were also flooded, resulting in the loss of numerous head of cattle. Initial assessments indicate approximately 50 million TRY in material damage, and the town narrowly avoided a major disaster. The AFAD Bitlis Provincial Directorate announced that teams dispatched to the area have begun damage assessment efforts.
“There are countless examples in the region; it can cause major loss of life and property”
Speaking after the incident, Prof. Dr. Aydın emphasized that ponds—of which there are countless examples in the region—must be built under the supervision of relevant authorities and in accordance with scientifically prepared projects. Aydın, who specializes in hydraulics and hydrology, stressed that there is no fundamental structural difference between small ponds and large dams, stating:
“Ponds are small dam structures, sometimes reaching heights of up to 15 meters, generally built to meet irrigation needs. Regardless of size, a pond construction is, in principle, not much different from a large dam. Earth-fill embankments built for economic reasons, if constructed without proper engineering services and necessary precautions, can cause severe loss of life and property. Therefore, especially in earth-fill ponds (dams), impermeable clay should be used, the fill material must be thoroughly compacted with rollers, and a sand filter should be installed to drain water within the body. In addition, it is essential to construct a safety structure called a spillway to prevent excess inflow from overtopping the body uncontrollably.
“If such water structures are not built with a high level of safety, they pose very serious risks. If proper conditions are not met, seepage through the body under pressure or overtopping can lead to the failure of the embankment, causing major destruction downstream. To avoid such problems, these structures must be designed and built under the supervision of institutions like DSİ and with advanced engineering services. Otherwise, major disasters become inevitable.”
