15.10.2026 07:05
Heavy downpour and storm paralyzed life in Istanbul. While 2 people lost their lives in Fatih and Sarıyer, roads turned into lakes, vehicles were swept away, and hundreds of homes and workplaces were flooded. In the city where a 41-year rainfall record was broken, 2,518 reports were made, and 200 people stranded in Ayazağa were rescued. Due to adverse weather conditions, 43 planes were diverted to other airports, while schools in Istanbul were closed. Governor Gül warned citizens, stating that rainfall would especially continue on the Anatolian Side.
The severe downpour and storm that affected Istanbul paralyzed life. Across the city, roads turned into lakes while vehicles were swept away by floodwaters, and many homes and workplaces were flooded. In Fatih, a 14-year-old child who was electrocuted in a puddle and a 34-year-old person who fell while trying to cross floodwaters in Sarıyer lost their lives. In Beykoz, 242 kilograms of rainfall per square meter fell, marking one of the highest rainfall values in 41 years. Across the city, 2,518 reports were made, while about 200 workers stranded in Ayazağa were rescued by teams. Education was suspended for one day in Istanbul on Thursday, October 15.
DOWNPOUR PARALYZED LIFE IN ISTANBUL
The severe downpour and storm, which intensified from the morning hours of Wednesday, October 14, caused major flooding across Istanbul. Streets and alleys were flooded due to rainfall, especially in Sarıyer, Beykoz, Eyüpsultan, Kağıthane, Bahçelievler, and Küçükçekmece.
While vehicles were stranded at many points, some cars were swept away by floodwaters. Metro stations, underpasses, parking lots, residences, and workplaces were also affected by the rainfall.
Due to adverse weather conditions, education was suspended for one day across Istanbul on Thursday, October 15.
14-YEAR-OLD CHILD DIES AFTER ELECTROCUTION IN FATIH
A tragic incident occurred in Fatih, where the downpour was effective. M. I., 14, who was at Çukurbostan Park, was electrocuted when he stepped into a puddle.
The child, who was taken to the hospital unconscious, could not be saved despite all the doctors' interventions. An investigation was launched into the incident.
PERSON WHO FELL INTO FLOODWATERS IN SARIYER DIED
One person also died due to the downpour in Sarıyer's Ayazağa neighborhood.
S. Y., 34, who was trying to cross the road in front of a guesthouse on Dereboyu Street, fell when his foot slipped while trying to get over the floodwaters and hit his head on the curb.
S. Y., who could not get out of the puddle on the road, was rescued with the help of nearby citizens.
S. Y., who was taken to Seyrantepe Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital by medical teams that arrived at the scene after the report, died despite all interventions. An investigation was launched into the incident.
41-YEAR RAINFALL RECORD
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) announced that one of the highest rainfall values recorded in the city since 1985 was reached.
According to data shared by IMM, rainfall per square meter exceeded 200 kilograms in some districts.
The highest rainfall values were recorded as follows:
- Beykoz: 242 kilograms
- Eyüpsultan: 190.5 kilograms
- Sarıyer: 187.9 kilograms
In particular, around the Bosphorus and in the northern and central parts of the European Side, rainfall ranged from 100 to 230 kilograms per square meter.
At many points in Istanbul, the amount of rainfall exceeded 100 kilograms per square meter.
GOVERNORSHIP ANNOUNCED: 2,518 REPORTS MADE
The Istanbul Governor's Office shared the assessment regarding the adverse effects caused by the severe downpour in the city.
According to the statement from the Governor's Office, a crisis desk was established at the AFAD Istanbul Regional Directorate. Across the city, 8,000 personnel and 2,000 vehicles and construction machines were assigned to the field.
Between 06:00 and 20:00, a total of 2,518 reports reached AFAD and the 112 Emergency Call Center.
The distribution of reports was announced as follows:
- Flooding: 1,277
- Landslide: 15
- Being stranded: 47
- Fallen trees: 13
- Roofs blowing off: 2
Additionally, reports were received regarding 76 vehicles, 808 residences, and 280 workplaces.
GOVERNOR GÜL: DO NOT LEAVE YOUR HOMES UNLESS NECESSARY
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül warned citizens against the risk of downpour and flooding.
In his statement, Gül used the following expressions: "We kindly ask our citizens not to leave their homes tomorrow unless necessary. We strongly remind our citizens living in basement floors to spend the night on safer and higher floors and to stay away from stream beds, underpasses, and areas at risk of flooding. Our fellow citizens who do not have a safe place to stay can call the 112 Emergency Call Center. Get well soon. "
FLOODWATERS SWEPT VEHICLES AWAY IN AYAZAĞA
One of the areas most affected by the downpour was Sarıyer's Ayazağa neighborhood.
After the heavy rainfall, the water level rose rapidly on streets and alleys. Many parked cars were submerged, while some vehicles were swept away by floodwaters.
In footage recorded in Ayazağa, vehicles were seen being swept away by the current on water-covered roads.
While many vehicles in the area were almost completely submerged in water, the events were captured by citizens' mobile phone cameras.
200 WORKERS STRANDED IN AYAZAĞA
Workplaces located on Kemerburgaz Street in Sarıyer Ayazağa were also flooded due to the downpour.
About 200 workers who stayed for the night shift at companies on the street could not leave their workplaces due to rising waters.
Upon notice, Underwater Search and Rescue (SAK), AKUT, AFAD, fire brigade, Coast Guard, and municipal teams were dispatched to the area.
When the teams' water drainage efforts were not sufficient, it was decided to reach the stranded workers using high vehicles such as trucks and minibuses.
Communication was maintained with those stranded throughout the rescue efforts.