Flash Floods Kill Three in Istanbul, Disrupting City Life

At least three people have died in Istanbul following devastating flash floods that occurred Wednesday night, inundating homes and turning streets into rivers. Turkish officials reported three fatalities and four missing individuals as of Thursday. One victim was electrocuted by a puddle in the Fatih district, another died after slipping on a sidewalk in Sariyer, and a third body was found in the Kagithane district.

Thousands of people were stranded by the deluge, with emergency services evacuating over 2,700 individuals. Dramatic footage showed passengers standing on bus seats as floodwaters rose inside vehicles, and cars being swept away by debris-filled currents. Sparks were seen flying from an open roadworks trench as floodwater poured into it.

Some areas of Istanbul experienced the highest rainfall since 1985, according to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality. Emergency services responded to more than 2,500 weather-related incidents, including 1,277 floods and 15 landslides. Over 800 homes, 280 businesses, and 76 vehicles were affected.

In the Sakarya province, approximately 93 miles east of Istanbul, a two-story house built on a riverbed collapsed. Floodwaters reached two hospitals, and commuters walked through water that poured through the ceiling of the Haciosman metro station. In the Kagithane district, the Kagithane Stream overflowed, submerging historical sites and streets.

Approximately 8,000 personnel, along with nearly 3,000 vehicles and construction machines, were deployed across the city, which is home to around 16 million people. Air travel was also impacted, with 46 planes unable to land at Istanbul's airports.

The country's weather agency has forecast additional showers for Istanbul and the surrounding region. In response to the severe weather, schools were closed through Friday, and some state employees were placed on leave. Residents were advised to stay home unless travel was essential, and motorcycle traffic was barred.