Van avalanche tragedy that claimed 42 lives remembered six years on

Yesterday 14:00

By: Sahili Aya

Van avalanche tragedy that claimed 42 lives remembered six years on

Residents of Van, eastern Türkiye, are commemorating the devastating avalanche disaster of February 2020, as memories of one of the country’s deadliest natural tragedies resurface six years later.

The disaster struck the Karabet Pass, a high-altitude section of the Van–Bahçesaray road known for its steep slopes and sharp curves. On February 4, 2020, an avalanche swept over a passenger minibus and a snow-clearing vehicle, killing several people. As rescue teams and local residents rushed to the scene, a second avalanche hit the same area the following day, dramatically increasing the death toll.

In total, 42 people lost their lives, including civilians, gendarmerie officers, village guards, and firefighters who had joined the rescue efforts. The incident deeply shocked the region and highlighted the dangers faced by both travelers and emergency responders in extreme winter conditions.

Residents of Yukarı Narlıca, the closest settlement to the site, played a crucial role during the rescue operations, working side by side with professional teams to save survivors trapped beneath the snow. While many injured people were rescued, the emotional scars of the tragedy remain vivid for the local population.

In the years following the disaster, Turkish authorities strengthened avalanche prevention and risk management measures. Hazard zones were officially identified, early warning systems were reinforced, and seasonal road closures were introduced to reduce the risk of similar incidents. The Van–Bahçesaray highway is now regularly closed during periods of heavy snowfall, with alternative routes provided.

Despite these precautions, residents continue to call for a long-term solution, including the construction of a tunnel to ensure safe and permanent access to the area. As winter snowfall returns this year, the community once again reflects on the lives lost and expresses hope that such a tragedy will never be repeated.