Death toll from floods in northern Turkey reaches 31

By SUZAN FRASER
Associated Press

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The death toll from floods and mudslides in northern Turkey has risen to at least 31 as emergency crews search demolished buildings, swamped homes, and submerged basements for more victims and survivors. An opposition politician said Friday that more than 300 people have been reported unaccounted for. Torrential rains that pounded the Black Sea coastal provinces of Bartin, Kastamonu, Sinop and Samsun on Wednesday caused the flooding. The missing include 12-yaer-old twins who were trapped with their grandparents inside an eight-story residential building. Their mother says she went outside after authorities advised residents to move their vehicles. She says before the building collapsed, her daughters waved at her and told her they were fine.