In brief
Istanbul has experienced the most severe rainfall in 84 years, which triggered widespread flooding and led to two fatalities—a 14‑year‑old boy electrocuted in a puddle and a 34‑year‑old man who collapsed after slipping in flooded roads. Nearly 600 residents have been rescued, while over 8,000 workers respond to the crisis. Local authorities have urged citizens to remain at home unless essential and extended public transport hours to cope with movement restrictions. Schools were closed, flights grounded, and administrative leave granted to vulnerable workers. The disaster has exposed the city’s vulnerability to extreme weather and highlighted the need for robust emergency measures.
Two people died after intense floods following the heaviest rainfall recorded in 84 years in Istanbul, according to the city governor.
A 14‑year‑old boy was electrocuted when he stepped into a puddle, while a 34‑year‑old man slipped while trying to cross a flooded road, striking his head on the pavement.
Nearly 600 residents have been rescued from water‑submerged cars and are now safely relocated, while more than 8,000 workers are responding to the crisis, says the deputy mayor.
Governors Davut Gül and Nuri Aslan have urged citizens to stay home unless essential, and have warned of continued heavy rain through the night.
Public transport has been encouraged, with metro services extended to 2:00 a.m., and schools have been closed on Thursday and Friday.
The flooding has disrupted aviation, preventing 46 planes from landing at Istanbul airports, and has led to collapsed roads and a burst river.
Officials have granted administrative leave to disabled, pregnant, and veteran employees, as well as to women in the public sector with children under eight.
The interior ministry has cautioned against sudden flooding in several provinces, noting that rainfall in some areas reached one‑seventh of the average yearly total.
Images of women in rain gear standing in floodwater and of submerged car parks illustrate the scale of the disaster.
