Istanbul experienced severe flooding following what local officials characterized as the heaviest rainfall in 84 years, resulting in at least two deaths and widespread disruption across the metropolitan area.
The fatalities included a 14-year-old boy who died from electrocution after stepping into a contaminated puddle, and a 34-year-old man who slipped while attempting to cross a road and struck his head on the pavement. The city’s governorship opened an investigation into the teenager’s death. Nearly 600 people required rescue after becoming stranded in various locations, according to the deputy mayor of Istanbul.
The rainfall intensity was significant, with some areas receiving precipitation equivalent to approximately one-seventh of their annual average, according to the interior minister. The flooding resulted in substantial infrastructure damage, including sections of roads that collapsed in multiple areas and a river that burst its banks. A car park at a shopping center in the Sariyer district was flooded, with numerous vehicles submerged beneath water.
Civil authorities implemented several emergency measures in response. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül advised residents to remain home unless necessary, while the deputy mayor urged vigilance during expected nighttime storms. The city expanded metro service hours until 02:00 local time and encouraged residents to use public transportation instead of private vehicles. Schools were ordered closed on Thursday and Friday as precipitation was forecast to continue.
The flooding disrupted transportation beyond ground operations, with 46 aircraft unable to land at Istanbul airports. More than 8,000 workers were deployed to respond to emergency situations. Government authorities also granted administrative leave to certain employee categories, including disabled workers, pregnant employees, veterans, and public sector women with children under age eight, with exceptions for essential services. The interior ministry additionally warned of potential sudden flooding in several other provinces.
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