Istanbul Hit by Heaviest Rainfall in 41 Years, Two Dead
Istanbul recorded up to 242 kg of rainfall per square metre on 14 October, one of its highest levels since 1985. Severe flooding affected numerous districts, inundating vehicles and causing widespread disruption.
- Two people died: a 14-year-old boy was electrocuted in floodwater in Balat, while a 34-year-old woman died after falling and hitting her head.
- Thousands of emergency reports: Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality received 6,937 reports, while authorities recorded 47 incidents involving people trapped by the flooding.
- Education suspended: schools across Istanbul closed for 15 October.
- Further warnings: heavy-rain alerts remained in force, and motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles were banned from traffic until further notice.
Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as the risk of further flooding continued.
