Heavy Rain Causes Flooding, Fatalities in Istanbul
A severe downpour has disrupted Istanbul, leading to widespread flooding, stranded residents, and at least two confirmed deaths.
Istanbul experienced significant disruption Wednesday night as a heavy downpour led to widespread flooding, stranding hundreds of people and resulting in at least two fatalities. Rescuers worked through the night to assist those trapped at their workplaces.
The deluge inundated homes, businesses, roads, and underpasses, causing widespread traffic chaos in Turkey's largest city. Local media reported that a 14-year-old was electrocuted in the Fatih district after stepping into a flooded area, and a 34-year-old died after slipping on a wet sidewalk in the Sariyer district.
As of Thursday morning, heavy rain continued to fall. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality indicated that some areas recorded their highest rainfall levels since 1985. In response to the severe weather, the governor's office announced the suspension of education for the day and granted leave to some state employees. Residents were advised to remain home unless travel was essential, and those in basement apartments were urged to seek alternative accommodation for the night. Motorcycles were also temporarily banned from traffic.