Two Dead as Istanbul Faces Heaviest Rainfall in 84 Years

Severe flooding in Istanbul has killed two people after the city’s governor described the rainfall as the heaviest in 84 years, BBC Turkey reported.

A 14-year-old boy was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle, while a 34-year-old man slipped while trying to cross a road and hit his head on the pavement.

Nearly 600 People Rescued From Flooding

Istanbul Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan said 595 people were trapped in submerged vehicles and evacuated to safety. More than 8,000 staff were responding to the flooding.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül urged residents to avoid leaving their homes unless absolutely necessary. He is also investigating the death of the teenage boy who was electrocuted.

“I appeal to all citizens to remain vigilant against the heavy rain and storms expected, especially during the night,” he wrote on X.

Residents were urged to use public transport instead of private cars. Istanbul’s subway services were extended until 2 a.m. local time.

Schools Closed as More Rain Is Expected

Turkey’s interior minister said some areas of Istanbul received rainfall equivalent to one-seventh of the annual average. Schools were ordered to close on Thursday and Friday as the rain is expected to continue.

The city’s governor warned residents to remain cautious, while the Interior Ministry said sudden flooding could occur in several states.

Flooding Disrupts Flights and Damages Roads

The floods also disrupted air travel, with 46 planes unable to land at Istanbul Airport, according to BBC Turkey.

In the Salier area, a shopping center parking lot was flooded and several vehicles were submerged. In other parts of the city, sections of roads collapsed and rivers burst their banks, local media reported.

More than 16 million people live in the Istanbul metropolitan area.

Employees who are disabled, pregnant or veterans will be granted administrative leave on Thursday, unless they work in the health, safety or stormwater drainage sectors, Turkish media reported. Women working in the public sector with children under the age of eight will also be granted leave.