In brief
Residents of Istanbul were swept into crisis when the city recorded the heaviest rainfall in 84 years, causing severe floods that claimed the lives of a 14‑year‑old boy and a 34‑year‑old man. Over 600 people were rescued, cars submerged and a river burst its banks, prompting the governor to urge citizens to stay home. Schools closed, airports grounded 46 planes and the metro ran until 2 a.m. to keep people moving. Emergency crews responded with more than 8,000 workers, while special leave was granted to vulnerable workers and families. The flood warning will continue as rains are expected to persist.
Two people died after severe flooding in Istanbul, the city’s governor said, after what was described as the heaviest rainfall in 84 years.
A 14‑year‑old boy was electrocuted when he stepped into a puddle, while a 34‑year‑old man slipped, falling onto pavement and sustaining a head injury. The incident prompted emergency services to rescue almost 600 people who had become stranded in flooded streets, according to Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan.
Cars were found submerged in several districts and a river breached its banks, exacerbating the chaos. Istanbul Governor Davut Gül urged residents not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary, and schools were closed for two days until conditions improved.
The city’s metro extended operations until 2 a.m. for public transport, and over 8,000 workers were dispatched to manage the flooding. Airports reported 46 planes grounded, and more than 16 million residents of the metropolitan area were urged to stay alert for further storms.
In response, certain public‑sector employees—especially those disabled, pregnant or caring for young children—were granted administrative leave to reduce exposure to the uncertain weather.
