Istanbul floods kill 3, leave 5 missing as record rainfall hits Turkey

ISTANBUL: At least three people have died and five others remain missing after Istanbul was hit by its heaviest rainfall in at least 80 years, triggering widespread flooding, sweeping vehicles off roads and disrupting essential services across Turkey’s largest city.

The torrential rain began on Wednesday morning and intensified throughout the day, submerging streets, flooding buildings and leaving residents struggling to reach safety. Authorities warned that further heavy rainfall could affect several parts of Turkey over the weekend.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said the rainfall was the heaviest recorded since the city began keeping records in 1942.

The flooding caused widespread disruption, with electricity and water supplies affected in several neighbourhoods. Videos circulating on social media showed vehicles being carried away by powerful currents, while emergency workers helped people escape flooded buildings through windows.

Three dead, five people missing

Authorities reported several deaths across Istanbul as floodwaters and dangerous conditions put residents at risk.

A man’s body was discovered near a park in the Kagithane district on the city’s European side. In Balat, a 14-year-old boy died after suffering an electric shock while stepping into floodwater. He was taken to hospital but could not be saved.

Another man was reportedly killed after falling into a well in the Asian-side district of Beykoz, although officials had not immediately confirmed the incident. Five people were reported missing as rescue operations continued.

The flooding also affected neighbouring provinces, where rising waterways and landslides created additional dangers.

In Kocaeli province, a vehicle was swept away by a swollen stream in Gebze. Rescue workers managed to save the occupant using ropes. However, another person was reported missing after being swept away by floodwater in the Başiskele district.

In nearby Sakarya province, a two-storey house beside a stream collapsed in Sapanca. Authorities said the building had already been evacuated, preventing casualties.

More than 1,200 flood incidents reported

Turkey’s disaster management agency reported 1,277 flooding incidents, 15 landslides and 47 cases of people becoming trapped by Wednesday night. The roofs of two buildings were also damaged.

Emergency teams, firefighters and municipal workers began pumping water out of schools, sports grounds, garages and other flooded locations.

Authorities announced that schools in Istanbul would remain closed until Monday and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel. People living in low-lying areas and basement apartments were advised to move to higher, safer locations.

Flights disrupted as more rain threatens

The severe weather also disrupted air travel. Turkey’s Transport Ministry said 43 flights bound for Istanbul Airport were diverted to other airports, while three flights heading to Sabiha Gokcen Airport were affected. Departures from Sabiha Gokcen were temporarily suspended because of strong winds.

Officials warned that additional heavy rainfall was expected in various parts of Turkey through the weekend, raising concerns about further flooding, landslides and transport disruption.

The authorities continued rescue and cleanup operations as residents assessed the damage caused by the exceptional rainfall.