Heavy rainfall has severely disrupted daily life across Istanbul, flooding roads, tunnels, homes and businesses, while leaving vehicles submerged and residents stranded.
Some areas reportedly received more than 200 kilograms of rainfall per square metre. Streets and underpasses were filled with water, manhole covers were dislodged, and landslides occurred in several districts.
Public transport was also disrupted. Services on tram lines were temporarily affected, while several ferry services were cancelled. Flooding also filled a lower road tunnel on some avenues, and traffic congestion across the city reached 89 percent for around three hours.
According to the Istanbul Governor’s Office, authorities recorded 1,277 flooding incidents, 15 landslides and 47 cases of people being stranded. A total of 2,518 reports were received by emergency services between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Authorities urged residents to avoid going outdoors unless necessary, stay away from flood-prone basements, underpasses and riverbeds, and keep clear of areas at risk of landslides.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said emergency response operations were continuing under the coordination of AFAD, with 8,392 personnel and 2,246 vehicles and pieces of heavy equipment deployed across Istanbul.
