World · Middle East · 3 hrs ago
Flooding in Istanbul after record rain kills two
Heavy rain flooded roads, homes and businesses in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city, on Wednesday night and into Thursday.
Two people died: a 14-year-old boy was electrocuted after stepping in a puddle, and a 34-year-old man fell and hit his head while crossing a road.
The governor described the rainfall as the heaviest in 84 years, while the city said some areas had their highest rainfall since 1985.
Rescuers evacuated 595 people who had become trapped, and more than 8,000 workers were responding to the flooding.
Officials urged residents to stay home unless travel was essential; schools were closed for Thursday and Friday, and public transport was being expanded.
The rain was expected to continue, and officials warned people to remain alert, especially at night.
Heavy rain flooded homes, businesses, roads and underpasses in Istanbul, killing at least two people.
The dead were a 14-year-old boy who was electrocuted after stepping in a puddle and a 34-year-old man who fell and hit his head.
Istanbul’s governor said the rainfall was the heaviest in 84 years, while the city municipality said some areas had the highest rainfall since 1985.
Rescuers evacuated 595 people who had become trapped, and more than 8,000 workers were responding to the flooding, according to the deputy mayor.
Authorities urged residents to stay home unless travel was necessary, and schools were ordered to close on Thursday and Friday.
- Who
- At least two people died: a 14-year-old boy and a 34-year-old man.
- What
- Heavy rain caused flooding across Istanbul, stranding people and vehicles.
- When
- The downpour began Wednesday night, and heavy rain was still falling Thursday morning.
- Where
- Istanbul, Turkey.
- Why
- Heavy rainfall caused flooding; the governor described it as the heaviest in 84 years.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Heavy rain flooded homes, businesses, roads and underpasses in Istanbul.
Rain was still falling, while rescuers continued efforts to help stranded people.
Schools were ordered to close because rain was expected to continue.
- Deaths
- At least 2
- Evacuated
- 595 people
- Emergency response
- More than 8,000 workers
- Rainfall record
- Governor said it was the heaviest in 84 years
- Air travel
- 46 planes were unable to land at Istanbul airports
3 sources
What people are saying
I urge all our citizens to remain vigilant against the expected heavy rain and storm, particularly during nighttime hours.