Istanbul Floods Kill at Least Four After Record Rainfall

Istanbul has been struck by the worst flooding the city has seen since records began in 1942, leaving at least four people dead and thousands evacuated after record rainfall swept across Türkiye’s largest city. Streets turned into rivers, cars were swept away, and officials say around 46,000 emergency workers have been deployed to the affected areas.

The rain began on the morning of October 13 and intensified the following day. Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said some areas received as much as 272 millimetres of rain, and Istanbul Governor Davut Gul confirmed it was the highest rainfall the city has recorded since 1942.

FAKTA

• At least four people killed; several reported missing
• Highest rainfall in Istanbul since records began in 1942
• More than 2,700 people evacuated; 3,055 rescued by emergency crews
• Around 46,000 emergency workers and 2,246 vehicles deployed
• Schools closed; 43 flights diverted from Istanbul Airport

Record rainfall overwhelms the city

AKOM, the disaster coordination centre of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, reported 50 to 95 millimetres of rain across the city’s northern and central districts on October 14, with some stations recording up to 272 millimetres. Municipal officials said Istanbul received more rain in 48 hours than its combined historical average for September and October.

Streets, underpasses, homes and businesses were inundated. Vehicles were swept away and roads collapsed in districts including Eyüpsultan and Gaziosmanpaşa. Floodwater entered hospitals and metro infrastructure, and authorities received close to 9,850 reports of flood damage and related problems.

Casualties and rescue effort

Among the victims is a 14-year-old boy who suffered an electric shock after stepping into floodwater in the Balat district. A 34-year-old died after slipping and striking his head while crossing a flooded road in Ayazağa, while another body was recovered near a stream in Kağıthane. The latest victim, a 66-year-old man, was found beneath a bridge in the Sarıyer district.

Emergency crews rescued 3,055 people who were stranded by the floodwater, and more than 2,700 were evacuated. Municipal teams responded to 1,901 calls with 8,392 personnel and 2,246 vehicles and machines, and search operations continue for people reported missing.

Disruption and outlook

Schools across Istanbul were ordered closed, motorcycles were banned from the roads, and residents were urged to avoid underpasses, creek beds and basement flats. The transport ministry said 43 flights bound for Istanbul Airport were diverted, while operations at Sabiha Gökçen Airport were disrupted by wind shear.

The same weather system also hit Kocaeli, Bursa, Yalova and Bilecik in the Marmara region. Forecasters warn that further heavy rain could affect the city over the weekend. Follow more international coverage on Watan News International’s English page.