Concrete Structure Failure at Kalkanlı Dam

A Recorded Risk Without Damage (2026)**

In 2026, an unexpected concrete structure failure occurred along the spillway line of Kalkanlı Dam. The incident was clearly observed on site and resulted in a localised loss of structural integrity within the concrete element.

However, the critical point is this:
As of the time of the incident, no material damage has occurred.

This article is not a damage report. It is a risk record, documented before turning into loss.

Timeline: What Happened?

• 23–24 January 2026: The Güzelyurt–Kalkanlı region experienced intense and prolonged rainfall

• 24 January 2026: Field information indicated that the dam had reached overflow levels

• After the rainfall: A concrete structure failure (described on site as a “blast”) occurred at the spillway

• Outcome: Structural damage to the concrete element, no uncontrolled water release, no material loss

The key factor is timing. The failure did not occur at the peak of active hydraulic pressure, preventing downstream impact.

Why Was There No Damage?

Concrete failures in dams do not always result in loss. In this case:

• The failure occurred outside peak discharge conditions

• The affected area was structurally limited

• No high-volume, uncontrolled water flow reached lower elevations

For insurance and risk management purposes, this event is classified as a near-miss, not a claim.

Areas That Could Be Affected if Conditions Change

This section refers to potential exposure, not actual damage:

• Kalkanlı village centre – high proximity risk

• ODTÜ Kalkanlı Campus – open areas, drainage-dependent zones

• Güzelyurt Plain – agricultural land and greenhouses

• Yayla – Zümrütköy corridor – indirect drainage impact

• Lower-lying areas of Güzelyurt town – delayed, secondary effects

These zones are monitoring priorities, not damaged locations.

What “No Damage” Means – And What It Does Not

“No damage” does not mean:

• The event was insignificant

• The risk has disappeared

It means:

• Loss was avoided

• The structure now requires close monitoring

• Preventive action is still critical

In risk management, this window is the most valuable intervention phase.

Insurance Perspective

In insurance terms, the decisive factors are:

• Event: Yes

• Uncontrolled water release: No

• Material loss: No

This distinction prevents misinformation, panic, and incorrect claim expectations.

CAN Sigorta Perspective

From the standpoint of CAN Sigorta, events like this demonstrate a core principle of insurance:

Insurance is not about amplifying disasters, but about documenting risk before loss occurs.

Transparent communication, accurate timing, and location-based clarity protect both policyholders and institutional credibility.

Final Record Statement

Following extreme rainfall on 23–24 January 2026, a concrete structure failure occurred at Kalkanlı Dam. No material damage was recorded, but a monitorable regional risk has been identified.

This is not a headline.
It is an archive record.