OMM Newsroom
Torrential rain on Wednesday caused widespread flooding in Istanbul, Turkey. A 14-year-old boy died after being electrocuted, while homes and businesses were flooded and some residents were left stranded.
The rain began in the morning and continued intermittently. As water levels rose, vehicles were stranded on roads, while shop and business owners began clearing water from their premises.
The city recorded 1,277 flooding incidents and 15 landslides. According to the governor’s office, emergency services received 2,518 weather-related calls. Forty-seven concerned people who were stranded, 13 involved fallen trees, and two concerned damaged roofs. Flooding damaged 808 homes, 280 business premises and 76 vehicles.
The heaviest rainfall was recorded in the Omerli area of Beykoz district, at 193.84 kilograms per square metre.
Nearly 8,000 personnel deployed for rescue efforts
Authorities set up a coordination center to manage the emergency. About 8,000 personnel, 2,000 vehicles and construction equipment were mobilized to assist those affected and carry out emergency operations.
Workers stranded at businesses on flooded streets in the Ayazaga neighborhood of Sariyer district were rescued using trucks, construction equipment and boats. Floodwaters also entered homes and commercial buildings and caused power cuts. Some cars were swept toward sidewalks and road barriers, while public buses were stranded in flooded areas.
In Arnavutkoy district, municipal workers used construction equipment to move stranded residents to safety. Rescuers also saved stray animals trapped in the yard of a primary school. Rescue, evacuation and water-removal operations continued across the city.
Traffic congestion reaches 90%
Heavy rain caused major disruptions to Istanbul’s transport system. Road congestion rose to about 90% during the evening rush hour. Passengers sought shelter at bus, metro, tram and Metrobüs stations, and public transport became more crowded.
Schools in Istanbul were closed on Thursday, October 15. Motorcycle traffic was also temporarily restricted because of hazardous road conditions.
According to the governor’s office, no roads remained closed in the city, airports continued operating and no flights were canceled.
