Heavy rain that intensified across Istanbul on the evening of October 14 triggered flooding and waterlogging in numerous districts. According to information updated by Anadolu Agency on the morning of October 15, two people died in separate incidents linked to the severe weather. In Ayazaga, in the Sariyer district, a 34-year-old person fell while trying to cross a road, was unable to get out of standing floodwater and later died in hospital. In Fatih, a 14-year-old child died after suffering an electric shock in a pool of water. Investigations into both incidents are continuing.
Rescue and evacuation operations continued overnight
Flooding and entrapment reports came from many areas, including Sariyer, Arnavutkoy, Sultangazi, Esenyurt, Kagithane, Buyukcekmece and Beykoz. Kemerburgaz Avenue in Ayazaga was completely covered by water, leaving employees trapped inside businesses. Teams including Turkey’s disaster agency AFAD, firefighters, the Coast Guard, AKUT rescuers and underwater search-and-rescue units were dispatched. Some people were evacuated using construction vehicles, while others were taken to safety by boat. Municipal crews also used heavy equipment to move residents stranded by overflowing water in Arnavutkoy.
The rain flooded homes, workplaces, basements, school grounds, roads and underpasses. Vehicles became stranded or were swept aside. The Kagithane stream overflowed, sending water into the historic Sadabat Mosque and nearby buildings. Anadolu Agency reported power outages in some locations as teams continued pumping operations and searches through the night. Several metro and tram services that had been disrupted were reported to have resumed on Thursday morning.
Schools closed for one day and motorcycles temporarily barred
An official statement issued by the Istanbul Governor’s Office through the provincial education authority suspended in-person education at all public and private schools across the province for October 15. The order also placed certain public employees on administrative leave, including workers with disabilities, pregnant employees, veterans and qualifying mothers of children under eight. Motorcycles and similar two-wheeled vehicles were barred from traffic from 9 p.m. on October 14 until a further notice because of the weather and road risks.
The Associated Press reported that the governor’s office urged residents to remain at home unless travel was essential. People living in basement apartments were advised to spend the night elsewhere. The measures were intended to reduce the risk of additional people becoming trapped in rapidly rising water and to keep roads clearer for emergency crews operating across the city.
Risk of further heavy rain remains
Turkey’s General Directorate of Meteorology forecast strong thunderstorms for Istanbul on October 15, with unsettled conditions expected to continue on October 16 and 17. District-level warnings highlighted the possibility of flash flooding, waterlogging, lightning, landslides, strong winds and transport disruption. Because rainfall intensity can vary sharply between districts, residents were advised to follow current notices from official authorities rather than rely on general citywide conditions.
Authorities have asked people to avoid unnecessary travel, never enter flooded roads or underpasses and stay away from vulnerable basement areas. Emergency situations should be reported through Turkey’s 112 emergency call service. Evacuation, pumping and damage-assessment work remains underway, while new information on roads and public transport is expected through official channels. Residents should also comply with the temporary two-wheeler restriction until the governor’s office announces that it has been lifted.
