Istanbul was struck by the heaviest rainfall in 84 years, turning streets into rivers and leaving a trail of devastation across the city.
The heavy downpour claimed two lives: a 14‑year‑old boy who was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle and a 34‑year‑old man who slipped, fell, and hit his head on the pavement.
Authorities say close to 600 people have been rescued while 595 were evacuated to safe zones, with more than 8,000 workers on the scene clearing flooded streets and submerged cars.
In response to the crisis, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül has ordered residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary, while deputy mayor Nuri Aslan urged people to use public transport. The metro service will run until 02:00 local time to accommodate commuters.
The flooding has disrupted air traffic, preventing 46 planes from landing, and has forced schools to close on Thursday and Friday as the rains are expected to continue.
Additional measures include granting administrative leave to disabled, pregnant, and veteran employees, as well as to public‑sector women with children under eight, to help the city cope with ongoing weather challenges.
