Istanbul Floods Kill at Least Three, Leave Thousands Stranded
Torrential rains transform streets into rivers, submerging neighborhoods and causing widespread disruption.
At least three people have died in Istanbul following devastating flash floods that submerged neighborhoods and turned streets into rivers.
Turkish officials reported three fatalities and four missing individuals as of Thursday. A 14-year-old was electrocuted in the Fatih district after stepping into a puddle, and a 34-year-old died from a head injury after slipping on a sidewalk in Sariyer. The body of a third victim was found near a park in the Kagithane district.
More than 2,700 stranded individuals were safely evacuated across the city, according to the interior minister. Footage of the events showed passengers standing on bus seats as floodwaters rose inside vehicles, and cars being swept down streets by debris-filled currents. Sparks were seen emanating from an open roadworks trench as floodwater entered it.
The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality stated that some areas experienced the highest rainfall since 1985. Emergency services responded to over 2,500 weather-related incidents, including 1,277 floods and 15 landslides. Approximately 800 homes, 280 businesses, and 76 vehicles were affected by the flooding.
In Sakarya province, east of Istanbul, a two-story house built on a riverbed collapsed. The Kagithane Stream burst its banks in the Kagithane district, inundating historical sites and streets. Floodwaters also reached two hospitals and entered the Haciosman metro station.
At the Atatürk Olympic Stadium, a torrent of water raged through a valley. In Sultangazi, a primary school's retaining wall collapsed while students were in classrooms, though no injuries were reported.
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 the region.
In response to the disaster, schools were ordered closed through Friday, and some state employees were placed on leave. The governor's office advised residents to remain home unless travel was essential and restricted motorcycle traffic. Istanbul, a major tourist destination, was recognized as the most visited European city in 2023.