In brief
Istanbul’s governor reported the most intense storm in eight decades, killing a 14‑year‑old boy and a 34‑year‑old man while flooding forced almost 600 residents to evacuate. Over 8,000 emergency workers responded to the crisis as cars and buildings were submerged, and the interior ministry warned of further heavy rainfall. Authorities urged civilians to stay indoors, expanded metro hours, and issued leave for vulnerable workers.
Two people have died after severe flooding caused by what the Istanbul governor described as the heaviest rainfall in 84 years, BBC Turkish reported.
A 14‑year‑old boy was electrocuted when he stepped into a puddle, while a 34‑year‑old man died after slipping on a road and hitting his head.
Nearly 600 people have been rescued from flooded homes; cars are submerged in several districts. The deputy mayor says 595 residents were safely evacuated, and more than 8,000 workers are responding to the emergency.
The governor has urged residents to avoid leaving home unless absolutely necessary, and the city has extended metro service until 02:00 local time to reduce traffic on dangerous roads.
Air travel has also been impacted, with 46 aircraft unable to land at Istanbul airports. A car park in a shopping centre flooded in the Sariyer district, and a river burst its banks, collapsing sections of nearby roads.
Turkey’s interior ministry warns of possible sudden flooding in several provinces and has ordered administrative leave for disabled, pregnant, veteran employees and public‑sector women who have children under eight, except those in essential services.
