Two people have died after severe flooding in Istanbul, which the city’s governor described as the heaviest rainfall in 84 years.
A 14-year-old boy was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle, while a 34-year-old man slipped and fell as he tried to cross a road, hitting his head on the pavement. The city’s governorship is investigating the death of the teenager.
Hundreds stranded as cars are submerged across the city
Deputy mayor Nuri Aslan said 595 people had been evacuated to safe areas after becoming trapped, while more than 8,000 workers were responding to the flooding. Cars were submerged in some districts.
In Sariyer, a car park at a shopping centre flooded, leaving several vehicles underwater. Local media reported that road sections in other areas had collapsed and that a river had burst its banks. Reports also said 46 planes were unable to land at airports in Istanbul.
Governor and officials urge residents to stay indoors
Governor Davut Gül told residents to avoid leaving their homes unless it was absolutely necessary. Aslan urged citizens to stay alert against the expected heavy rain and storm, particularly at night, in a post on X. He also advised people to use public transport rather than private vehicles, with metro hours extended to 02:00 local time.
The interior minister said some areas had received rainfall equal to one seventh of the annual average. Schools were ordered to close on Thursday and Friday, as more rain is expected. The interior ministry has also warned of sudden flooding in several provinces. More than 16 million people live in the wider Istanbul metropolitan area.
Public sector staff granted leave amid flood warnings
Turkish media reported that employees who are disabled, pregnant or veterans will be granted administrative leave on Thursday, unless they work in health, safety or rainwater drainage. Women working in the public sector who have children under eight will also be granted leave.
