Heavy rain in Istanbul’s Pendik district caused the Büyük Dere creek in Göçbeyli to overflow overnight, sweeping away a car carrying three people. One occupant escaped, while two others were reported missing. Search teams from Türkiye’s disaster agency AFAD, the fire department, gendarmerie, AKUT and underwater rescue units began operations in the area on Sunday morning, October 18.
Search concentrated at three locations
According to reports by Anadolu Agency and Ekonomim, the level of Büyük Dere, also known locally as Göçbeyli Creek, rose sharply during the downpour and spilled over its banks. A moving car was caught in the floodwater. One person managed to break a window and get out before being helped to safer ground by people nearby. The survivor was taken to hospital, but authorities had not released a detailed medical update.
The other two occupants were swept away. Underwater search and rescue teams, AFAD, AKUT, Istanbul firefighters and gendarmerie units were deployed after the alert. The operation was reported to be focused on three points along and around the creek bed. As of the morning, authorities had not announced a confirmed outcome.
This report does not publish the full identities of the missing people. Claims on social media about their condition, discovery or possible casualties should be treated as unverified until the responsible agencies issue an update.
Other emergency responses on Istanbul’s Asian side
The rainfall also caused problems elsewhere. On Yeşilvadi Avenue in Şile, firefighters and gendarmerie officers rescued two people who were stranded in a vehicle by accumulated water. In Pendik’s Ahmet Yesevi neighbourhood, ground movement was reported near an apartment building after the rain. The building was evacuated as a precaution while crews secured the area.
Outside Istanbul, an overflowing creek closed part of a road in the rural Kurşunlu neighbourhood of İnegöl, Bursa. The incidents show the continuing local impact of the wet-weather system that has affected the Marmara and western Black Sea regions for several days.
Weather warnings cover many provinces
TRT Haber, citing forecasts from the Turkish State Meteorological Service, and Anadolu Agency and DHA, reporting comments by Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum, said yellow and orange alerts were in place for many provinces on October 18, including Istanbul. The warnings highlighted the risks of intense rain, flash floods, surface flooding, lightning, landslides, strong winds and disruption to transport.
Colour-coded alerts do not mean every location will experience the same conditions. An orange alert signals dangerous weather with the potential for damage, while a yellow alert means weather could affect activities and requires caution. Province- and district-level notices can change during the day, making the latest bulletins from the meteorological service and local authorities the most reliable guide.
Safety during flash flooding
Authorities advise people not to enter flooded roads on foot or by vehicle and to keep away from creek beds and underpasses. The depth and speed of floodwater, as well as damage hidden beneath it, can be difficult to judge. Drivers should not attempt to pass road closures, emergency routes should be kept clear, and evacuation instructions should be followed in areas identified as being at risk.
The search for the two missing people in Pendik remained active at the time of publication. Any further update should be based on confirmed information from emergency authorities and credible reporting from the scene.
