In brief
Istanbul is battling severe flooding after a week of record-breaking rainfall, the heaviest in nearly nine decades. Two people died—an 14‑year‑old boy was electrocuted in a puddle and a 34‑year‑old man hit his head on pavement. Almost 600 residents were rescued, while more than 8,000 emergency workers responded. The city’s mayor urged residents to stay home and use public transport, and airports struggled to handle 46 grounded planes.
The city of Istanbul is still reeling from a massive storm that delivered the heaviest rainfall in 84 years. The downpour has left deep channels of water across districts, trapped thousands and caused two tragic deaths.
Fatalities and Rescue Efforts
In the Kucukcekmece district residents saw their streets turned into rivers. A 14‑year‑old boy was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle, while a 34‑year‑old man slipped while crossing a road and fell, striking his head on the pavement.
The governor’s office confirmed the casualties and said investigations into the electrocuted teenager were underway. Nearly 600 people have been rescued and + 595 more have been escorted away from dangerous areas, according to Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan.
Emergency workers, numbering more than 8,000, have been mobilized across the metropolis to conduct search‑and‑rescue operations and protect vulnerable infrastructure.
City’s Response and Public Advisories
Governor Davut Gül has urged citizens to avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary. The mayor has also recommended that people use public transport to reduce traffic on flooded roads, and Istanbul’s metro network now runs until 2 am to accommodate commuters.
"I urge all our citizens to remain vigilant against the expected heavy rain and storm, particularly during nighttime hours," said Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan on X.
In addition, 46 planes were unable to land at Istanbul’s airports, and a car park in a shopping center in the Sarrıyer district was flooded, submerging multiple vehicles. Roads in some neighbourhoods collapsed and a river burst its banks, further compounding transport woes.
With a population of over 16 million in the greater Istanbul area, authorities have warned of possible sudden flooding in several provinces. Employees who are disabled, pregnant or veterans will receive administrative leave, unless they work in emergency or infrastructure sectors. Public‑sector women with children under eight also receive leave.
Weather Outlook
Officials say the rainfall has amounted to roughly one‑seventh of the city’s yearly average. Schools were ordered closed on Thursday and Friday, and the downpour is expected to continue for the next few days.
Residents and visitors alike remain on high alert as Istanbul works to manage the aftermath of this unprecedented storm.
