15.10.2026 01:00
Governor Davut Gül, who made statements after the downpour that paralyzed life in Istanbul, noted that more than 200 kilograms of rainfall per square meter fell, saying that according to measurements this was the highest amount of rainfall in the history of the Republic. Gül, who announced that teams across the city are continuing search and rescue efforts, called on citizens living in areas at risk of flooding to leave their homes and call 112.
After the torrential rain in Istanbul that turned roads into rivers and submerged many vehicles and buildings, Governor Davut Gül provided information on the latest situation in the city during a live broadcast he joined. Noting that the rainfall reached extraordinary proportions, Gül stated that problems were experienced in many points in Istanbul, which has a population of 16 million.
"THE HIGHEST RAINFALL MEASURED IN THE HISTORY OF THE REPUBLIC"
Emphasizing that the amount of rainfall reached a historic level, Gül said, "As you know, today's rainfall is approximately over 200 kilograms per square meter. What does this mean? In other words, we are talking about a figure corresponding to the highest rainfall rate we have been able to measure in the history of the Republic."
Drawing attention to Istanbul's size, Gül stated that rainfall on this scale caused serious problems throughout the city.
"OUR FIRST PRIORITY IS LIFE SAFETY"
Noting that Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, district municipalities, police, gendarmerie, and Coast Guard teams are working in the field under AFAD coordination, Gül said the priority is rescuing citizens at risk.
Gül, who conveyed that incoming reports are evaluated according to their urgency, stated that in many places roads are flowing like rivers.
"DO NOT STAY IN PLACES AT RISK OF FLOODING"
Addressing citizens, Governor Gül emphasized that people should not stay in buildings especially at risk of flooding.
Gül used the following statements: "This evening, our request from our fellow citizens is that they do not stay in places at risk of flooding. When they call 112 regarding this, we are hosting them, and we will host them."
"DO NOT GO OUT INTO TRAFFIC UNLESS NECESSARY"
Noting that some roads in the city have been closed to traffic and that new announcements will be made depending on developments, Gül asked citizens to follow official statements.
Drawing attention to the fact that going into traffic with private vehicles makes rescue efforts more difficult, Gül said, "The more they go into traffic with private vehicles, the more both search and rescue and similar efforts are hindered, and they themselves are put at risk in one way or another."
Governor Gül warned citizens to be careful, noting that it may not be possible to predict in advance which road will collapse or which stream will overflow due to the rainfall.