Heavy rainfall struck Istanbul on 14/10, with nearly 194 mm recorded in the Omerli area of Beykoz district. Other areas saw close to 126 mm of rain.
The city's steep terrain, coupled with its population of approximately 16 million, caused floodwaters to surge, trapping numerous vehicles and leading to traffic chaos.
Footage released by NTV showed one woman swept away by floodwaters along a steep street, with nearby residents rushing to her aid. In another incident, a resident who returned to his flooded basement apartment for medicine became trapped, requiring rescue teams to evacuate him and 5 others from his home.
Floodwaters surge like a waterfall in Istanbul on 14/10. Video: Turkiye Today
Numerous videos filmed by Istanbul residents depicted widespread road collapses and torrents of floodwaters sweeping away many cars overnight.
In Eyupsultan district, a section of a boulevard split, forming a large trench. Police cordoned off the area to prevent vehicles from falling, while workers used excavators to address the damage amidst the rain. A trapped service vehicle was later recovered.
Floodwaters inundated several city medical facilities, including Hamidiye Etfal Hospital and Mimar Sinan National Hospital. Rescue personnel deployed water pumps to clear Hamidiye Etfal Hospital.
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Istanbul authorities use excavators to rescue residents trapped in floodwaters in Sultanbeyli district on the night of 14/10. Photo: AFP
Istanbul authorities deployed thousands of personnel, vehicles, and machinery to respond. The Istanbul Governor's Office announced the suspension of in-person schooling across the province on 15/10 and granted some civil servants leave. Motorcycles were banned from 9 PM on 14/10 until further notice.
Authorities stated that rain could continue until the afternoon of 16/10, followed by intermittent showers for the subsequent two days.
Governor Davut Gul advised residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary and urged those in basement apartments to relocate to higher floors.
Thanh Danh (According to Turkiye Today, AP, Daily Sabah)
