15.10.2026 21:21
Minister of the Interior Mustafa Çiftçi made statements regarding the flood disaster affecting the Marmara Region. Announcing that 3 people lost their lives in Istanbul, Minister Çiftçi said, "Missing person reports have been filed for 5 people in Istanbul and 1 person in Kocaeli. Search and rescue efforts are ongoing."
The Marmara Region experienced a nightmare during heavy rains that lasted two days. Especially in Istanbul, the flood toll was heavy, while life came to a standstill in many cities.
6 PEOPLE MISSING
Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi announced the latest situation regarding the disaster. Saying that the death toll in Istanbul was 3, Minister Çiftçi used the following statements: “Missing person reports have been filed for 5 people in Istanbul and 1 in Kocaeli. Search and rescue efforts are continuing.”
Minister Çiftçi's statements are as follows: In total, missing person reports have been filed for 6 of our citizens. Five people are being sought in Istanbul and 1 in Kocaeli. Our search and rescue teams are continuing their efforts uninterruptedly to find 6 of our citizens. In the Feyziye neighborhood of Sapanca, a building evacuated as a precaution by the stream collapsed, and there is no loss of life. Our state is coordinating the process both from the center and from the field. Our AFAD Presidency, with Istanbul in particular, is ensuring coordination through AFAD in Kocaeli and Sakarya, together with our governors.
“12,362 REPORTS RECEIVED”
Across our warned provinces, a total of 12,372 reports were received. Of these reports, 9,755 were made in Istanbul. Our teams responded quickly to 7,456 incidents that were verified from the reports. The evacuation of our citizens stranded in Ayazağa has been completed. Across Istanbul, 3,055 stranded citizens were rescued, and citizens requesting shelter were placed in public guesthouses.
“58,085 PERSONNEL IN THE FIELD”
In Istanbul, a total of 46,597 personnel, and across the country, 58,085 personnel are on duty. AFAD has also directed 1,000 of our volunteers to the field. With 22 personnel, 9,185 food items were distributed to our citizens. Our state stands by our citizens with all its means. Our teams are maintaining coordination on 24-hour alert against possible new developments. Our greatest priority is to protect the life and property safety of our citizens. Along with heavy rains, I request our citizens to pay attention to certain matters against floods and flash floods.
“FLOODWATERS AND CURRENTS SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED TO BE CROSSED ON FOOT”
When faced with flood danger, one should remain calm, and riverbeds should be abandoned without wasting time. One should not attempt to cross floodwaters and currents on foot. Our citizens driving vehicles must absolutely not enter roads covered with water and should not attempt to proceed along routes where floodwaters are present. Keep away from detached power lines that may have come into contact with water. Battery-powered flashlights should be preferred for lighting. Keep away from the safety and retaining walls of buildings.
“DETACHED ELECTRICAL CABLES SHOULD NOT BE TOUCHED”
Do not return to evacuated homes until it is announced that they are safe. Damage should be taken into account, and one should not enter structures with water accumulation around them. Do not touch detached electrical cables. Be careful against risks such as rats and pests. If drinking water cannot be confirmed as safe, packaged and bottled water should be preferred. Looking after our elderly, children, and disabled citizens is of great importance.
“WE WILL CONTINUE OUR FIELD WORK IN ISTANBUL”
Human life is more precious than everything. Our priority should be not to endanger the life safety of even a single citizen. I earnestly request our citizens to meticulously comply with the statements and directions of authorized institutions. Measures taken in time save lives. Today, throughout the day, together with our AFAD President, we coordinated the work in areas under yellow and orange warnings with our governors. Tomorrow, we will continue our field work in Istanbul.
PRESIDENT ERDOĞAN: THE WARNINGS OF OUR OFFICIAL INSTITUTIONS SHOULD BE HEEDED
President Erdoğan also made statements regarding the flood disaster. In his statement, Erdoğan said: “I wish a speedy recovery to those affected by the rain, floods, and flash floods, and I ask God to have mercy on the 3 citizens who lost their lives. All institutions of our state, especially AFAD, are working in coordination, making the necessary warnings to our citizens while taking precautions in the field. It is understood that heavy downpours will continue today and tomorrow. In order to prevent new problems, we want our people to carefully follow the warnings of our official institutions.”
SCHOOLS IN 4 PROVINCES CLOSED TOMORROW AS WELL
Meanwhile, education was also suspended due to the heavy rain. Schools in Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Sakarya were closed tomorrow as well. Female public personnel with children attending kindergarten or primary school, as well as disabled, seriously ill, and pregnant personnel, will be considered on administrative leave tomorrow. The suspension of education in Yalova was also extended by 1 more day.
INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek stated that an investigation had been launched regarding the incidents. Noting that efforts were being carried out meticulously to clarify all aspects of the incidents and reveal the material truth, Gürlek stated that any negligence and faults would be identified.