In brief
Istanbul endured unprecedented weather, triggering severe floods that claimed two lives – a 14‑year‑old boy electrocuted in a puddle and a 34‑year‑old man who fell while crossing a road. Almost 600 residents were rescued after being trapped as water surged over cars and roads. The governor urged residents to stay indoors, schools closed amid continuing rain, and officials are battling the flooding with thousands of workers on the scene.
Two people died after intense flooding caused by the heaviest rainfall in 84 years, Istanbul Governor says.
A 14‑year‑old boy was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle. A 34‑year‑old man slipped while crossing a road and hit his head on the pavement.
City officials report that almost 600 people were rescued after becoming stranded, with cars submerged in water across several districts.
The mayor advised residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary.
Investigations into the boy’s death are underway.
Rainfall has been equivalent to one‑seventh of the annual average, according to the interior minister.
Schools were shut for two days and are expected to remain closed as more rain is forecast.
Deputy mayor Nuri Aslan says 595 people were evacuated and more than eight thousand workers are battling the floods.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant during nighttime hours and to prefer public transport, as metro hours have been extended to 02:00 local time.
Air travel has been disrupted, with forty‑six planes unable to land at Istanbul airports.
A flooded car park in the Sariyer district and collapsed roads in other areas were reported, and a river has burst its banks.
More than sixteen million people live in the greater Istanbul region, and the interior ministry warns of sudden flooding across provinces.
Employees who are disabled, pregnant, or veterans will be granted administrative leave unless they work in essential fields, according to Turkish media. Women in the public sector with children under eight also receive leave.
