Sofia News Agency
North-west Turkey has experienced severe flooding, exacerbated by Bulgaria opening floodgates on the River Meric, which flows through Edirne province.

Bulgarian officials had warned the Edirne regional governor's office that they planned to release water from a dam following the recent heavy rain and melted snow.

The Meric river eventually burst its banks, with roads and workplaces having to be closed. Rescue teams pulled a number of residents to safety from the floodwaters, according to Turkish media.

A local official reported that it was impossible to walk or drive on the streets.

"
We are in the middle of a natural disaster. The government should put together an agreement between officials to establish a reservoir to store water as this is urgently needed by the city. I warned locals by going from door to door. My only hope is that no houses have been inundated with water,"
the official said.

Turkey’s Environment and Forestry Minister Veysel Eroğlu, however, announced on Tuesday that there was no great danger in Edirne. He noted that approximately 10 houses had been affected by the floodwaters.

"
No casualties have been reported as a result of the rivers in Edirne overflowing. This at least is good news,"
EroÄŸlu said.

Meantime, a crisis management center has been established at Edirne’s Ipsala border gate to take all necessary measures against further flooding.