In brief
Istanbul has been struck by the heaviest rainfall in 84 years, leaving two fatalities and prompting mass evacuations. Deputy mayor Nuri Aslan reported nearly 600 people rescued, with over 8,000 responders deployed. The storm triggered widespread infrastructure damage, including collapsed road sections, flooding of commercial parking, and 46 planes unable to land. Authorities warned residents to stay indoors except for essential travel, and schools were closed for several days. Special leave was granted to vulnerable workers amid rising concerns of additional floods in the region.
Istanbul was swamped by the most intense rainfall in 84 years, leaving two dead and nearly 600 rescued, official said.
A 14‑year‑old was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle, while a 34‑year‑old was crushed by a head injury after slipping on slick pavement.
Deputy mayor Nuri Aslan confirmed 595 people were moved to safe areas, and the city mobilised more than 8,000 responders.
The city warned residents to stay inside except for vital needs; schools and 46 aircraft at local airports were cancelled.
Rainfall reached one‑seventh of the region’s annual average, threatening future infrastructure, collapsing road sections, and flooding a shopping‑centre carpark.
National transport hubs were affected; Istanbul’s Metro extended night services to 2 a.m. to aid commuters.
The interior ministry cautioned against sudden flooding in surrounding provinces and announced special leave for vulnerable workers.
