ISTANBUL, July 18 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were reported as missing on Thursday and 69 others were rescued from flash floods that hit northwestern Turkey.

The Duzce province has been severely affected by heavy rainfall since Wednesday night which has caused flash floods and landslides, blocking several roads leading to villages, according to the Duzce governor's office.

Governor Zulkif Dagli said local authorities received several notices stating that seven people went missing in the Esmahanim village, while rescue teams saved 69 stranded residents of the districts of Akcakoca and Cumayeri.

"The missing reports need to be confirmed," Dagli also noted.

Over 23 villages and many households have been massively damaged, press reports said, adding crews are still trying to reach to some villages.