A significant rainfall in Istanbul has led to the closure of the city, causing flooding in various areas, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals, as reported by officials on Thursday. The heavy downpour on Wednesday submerged homes, businesses, roads, and underpasses, leading to stranded vehicles and severe traffic disruptions in Turkey’s largest urban center. Notably, a car owner in Istanbul’s Ayazağa district was seen searching for his vehicle, which was washed away by the floodwaters.
According to the Istanbul governor’s office, three fatalities were recorded in the city, with an additional four individuals reported missing. Tragic incidents included a 14-year-old being electrocuted after stepping into a puddle at a park in the Fatih district, and a 34-year-old slipping on a sidewalk in the Sariyer district, resulting in a fatal head injury. The body of a third victim was discovered near a park in the Kagithane district.
The Interior Minister, Mustafa Çiftçi, confirmed the safe evacuation of over 2,700 people who were stranded due to the floods across Istanbul. Furthermore, Turkey’s meteorological agency has forecasted more rainfall for Istanbul and its surrounding regions in the upcoming days.
The aftermath of the heavy rainfall in Istanbul was visible with scattered vehicles across affected areas, emphasizing the impact of the flooding on the city’s infrastructure and residents. Additionally, images depict individuals navigating floodwaters using ladders and aerial views showing partially submerged trucks on flooded streets, painting a grim picture of the recent weather-related challenges faced by Istanbul.
