Istanbul is reeling from the effects of extreme weather after the city experienced its heaviest rainfall in 84 years, resulting in two fatalities and widespread infrastructure damage. Governor Davut Gül confirmed the tragic loss of life, noting that the historic downpour has overwhelmed urban drainage systems, caused significant traffic disruptions, and necessitated massive emergency response operations across the metropolitan area.
The two victims died in separate incidents linked to the deluge. A 14-year-old boy was electrocuted after stepping into a water-filled puddle, a tragedy now under formal investigation by the city's governorship. In a second incident, a 34-year-old man lost his life while attempting to cross a road; he slipped in the floodwaters and sustained fatal head injuries upon hitting the pavement. Local authorities have expressed condolences to the families affected as they continue to assess the human toll of the severe weather event.
The scale of the crisis has drawn a significant response from city officials and emergency services. Nuri Aslan, the deputy mayor of Istanbul, reported that 595 people have been successfully evacuated after becoming trapped in flooded areas. More than 8,000 personnel are currently deployed across the city to manage the ongoing emergency, clear obstructions, and assist those affected by the rising waters. In some districts, such as Sariyer, the impact has been severe, with shopping centre car parks being completely inundated and multiple vehicles left submerged in floodwater.
Meteorological data indicates that the rainfall was unprecedented for the region, with the interior minister noting that some areas recorded a volume of rain equivalent to one-seventh of the city's entire annual average. This sudden deluge has strained urban infrastructure, leading to road collapses and the bursting of a river bank. Air travel has also faced significant hurdles, with reports confirming that 46 planes were unable to land at Istanbul's airports due to the dangerous conditions.
In response to the evolving situation, Governor Gül has issued a stern advisory to the city’s 16 million residents, urging them to avoid leaving their homes unless it is absolutely necessary. To reduce traffic congestion and ensure that roads remain clear for emergency responders, public transport hours have been extended, with the city’s metro service operating until 02:00 local time. Authorities have specifically requested that citizens refrain from using private vehicles during the height of the storm.
As the rain is expected to continue, administrative measures have been implemented to protect vulnerable workers. The interior ministry announced that pregnant employees, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are granted administrative leave on Thursday, with exemptions only for those working in critical roles such as healthcare, safety, and water management. Additionally, public sector employees with children under the age of eight have been granted leave, and educational institutions across the city remain closed for Thursday and Friday.
Beyond the city limits, the interior ministry has extended warnings to several other provinces, cautioning against sudden flooding as the storm system persists. Officials have used social media platforms to urge citizens to remain vigilant, particularly during nighttime hours when the risk of rising waters is highest. The government remains focused on containment and recovery efforts as the city waits for the weather to stabilize.
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