Istanbul Flood Emergency: Flights Diverted, Schools Closed and Two People Killed

Yesterday 21:15

Two people have died after exceptionally heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding across Istanbul, disrupting air traffic, blocking roads and forcing emergency services to carry out thousands of rescues as authorities warned residents to remain indoors.

The torrential downpours on Wednesday evening brought what Istanbul Governor Davut Gül described as the highest rainfall recorded in the city since meteorological observations began in 1942, according to the Turkish authorities.

Three other people were receiving hospital treatment, although their conditions were not considered life-threatening, the governor said. One of the fatalities was a 14-year-old boy who died from electrocution after stepping into a water-filled puddle.

Flooding Brings Transport Networks to a Standstill

The storm severely disrupted Istanbul’s transport infrastructure, with the scale of the flooding affecting both local mobility and air travel.

Around 50 incoming and departing flights were diverted to other airports, while approximately 20 flights were cancelled. Several central neighbourhoods, particularly those characterised by steep slopes and narrow streets, became almost inaccessible for hours.

Traffic congestion brought large parts of the city to a standstill. In response, metro services continued operating late into the night to help stranded commuters return home.

Authorities also suspended motorcycle and other two-wheeled vehicle traffic until further notice as dangerous road conditions persisted.

Images released by the DHA news agency showed vehicles swept away by mud and residents escaping a flooded street by climbing into the bucket of an excavator.

More Than 1,200 Flooding Incidents Reported

The scale of the emergency was reflected in figures released by the Istanbul Governor’s Office on Wednesday evening.

Officials recorded 1,277 flooding incidents, 15 landslides and 47 people trapped by the severe weather. The storm also brought down 13 trees and tore off two roofs.

Across Istanbul province, rescue teams helped just under 3,000 people, with some operations requiring boats to reach those stranded by rising waters. Smaller-scale rescue efforts were still underway on Thursday.

In several neighbourhoods, authorities temporarily cut water supplies and, in some cases, electricity to limit risks while floodwaters gradually receded.

The hardest-hit municipalities were concentrated in the northern and central sections of Istanbul’s European side, where intense rainfall overwhelmed streets and affected residential areas.

Authorities Issue Urgent Safety Warnings

As the storm intensified, Governor Davut Gül urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and remain at home unless going out was absolutely essential.

Particular warnings were issued to people living in basement apartments, who were advised to spend the night on higher floors where possible. Residents were also told to keep away from waterways, underpasses and other locations vulnerable to sudden flooding.

The death of the 14-year-old boy highlighted the additional dangers created by floodwater, particularly where electrical hazards may be concealed beneath the surface.

The authorities’ warnings underscored the need for caution even in areas where water levels appeared manageable, as flooded streets and underground passages could pose serious risks.

Schools Closed as Further Rain Forecast

The disruption is expected to continue as meteorological forecasts indicate that rainfall could persist for another two to three days.

Primary and secondary schools across Istanbul were scheduled to close on Thursday and Friday as a precautionary measure.

Emergency services remained on alert, with residents facing continued risks from flooding, landslides and transport disruptions while recovery operations proceeded.

The exceptional rainfall has placed Istanbul’s urban infrastructure under significant pressure, raising immediate concerns about public safety, emergency preparedness and the city’s capacity to manage increasingly disruptive weather events.