Severe flooding and casualties in Istanbul following heavy rainfall

Beginning on the evening of October 13, 2026, intense rainfall caused severe flooding throughout Istanbul, impacting both the European and Asian sides of the city. Streets were transformed into torrents, submerging vehicles, flooding subway stations, homes, hospitals, and schools. Rainfall intensity reached extreme levels, with some districts recording up to 273 millimeters of rain, the highest levels seen in decades.

Authorities have confirmed at least three deaths related to the extreme weather. A 14-year-old boy died from electrocution in the Fatih district after stepping into a water-filled puddle, a 34-year-old man died in Sariyer after falling while crossing a flooded street, and a third individual was found deceased near Sadabat Park. Additionally, emergency services received thousands of calls, with authorities reporting landslides, building collapses, and numerous citizen rescues, including those of factory workers trapped by rising water levels.

In response to the catastrophe, Governor Davut Gul urged citizens to avoid unnecessary travel and relocate from basements to safer areas. Schools across several provinces, including Istanbul, have suspended operations. Emergency response teams continue to clear debris and pump water, while investigations into the fatal incidents, particularly the infrastructure failure leading to the electrocution, are underway.