Journal of Universal History Studies

Flood disasters have occurred in different parts of the world in every period of history. As a result of the floods that occurred within the scope of natural disasters, the human population and the environment were seriously damaged and there were large amounts of economic losses. Düzce has faced many flood disasters due to its geographical location, destruction of nature and failure to take necessary precautions. Despite the fact that the possibility of flood disaster in Düzce was known, the necessary precautions were not taken, and the rains that started on 29 June 1961 and have continued for three days caused one of the biggest flood disasters in the history of the Republic. The settlements between Büyük Melen and Küçük Melen and the surroundings of Lake Efteni were flooded. Almost half of the villages in Düzce were affected by the flood disaster. Two people died and 29 people were injured. Especially the fact that fertile agricultural lands were under water caused economic loss to Düzce’s farmers. Rescue and aid works were carried out through the commissions formed, and the needs of the people were tried to be met. Various projects have been prepared to prevent a disaster from happening again in Düzce. In this direction, the Hasanlar Dam was built, but the flood disasters could not be prevented. Flood disasters have continued to occur at regular intervals in Düzce since 1961. The destruction caused by the floods occurred mostly in the same places. Thanks to the studies carried out through historical information and documents, the places most affected by the flood can be determined. In this context, the study was written with the thought that the painful experiences related to the flood disaster in 1961 could be guiding and life-saving. The areas affected by the flood, the extent of the damage, the measures taken and the deficiencies were tried to be determined in line with the local and national media sources.