30.03.2026 15:30
Since Friday night, heavy rainfall in Istanbul has increased the reservoir levels while making daily life more difficult. After the continuous downpour in Istanbul, AKOM warned citizens, "Do not go out in traffic unless absolutely necessary."
Since Friday night, the heavy rainfall has negatively affected life in Istanbul, while AKOM and İBB officials have called on citizens to be cautious.
The heavy rainfall that has been ongoing for days in Istanbul continues to complicate daily life in the megacity. Following the intermittent rains since Friday night, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İBB) Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) has issued new warnings.
UP TO 93 KILOGRAMS OF RAINFALL PER SQUARE METER
İBB Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan monitored the developments across the city at AKOM. Receiving information from officials, Aslan stated that Istanbul has finally received the long-awaited rains, saying, “Since Friday night, rainfall has ranged from 54 to 93 kilograms per square meter. This is a significant amount of rainfall.”
RESERVOIRS STARTING TO FILL UP
Aslan expressed that the rainfall has had a positive impact on the reservoirs, stating that the water basins are beginning to recover after a dry period. Aslan said, “Our reservoirs are quickly collecting water. The basins that have been struggling due to drought are relieved with this rainfall.”
THOUSANDS OF PERSONNEL ON DUTY IN THE FIELD
Aslan noted that the heavy rainfall has brought some negative consequences, particularly increasing risks in traffic. Emphasizing that they are on alert throughout Istanbul, Aslan stated, “We have 6,903 personnel and 2,505 vehicles and machinery actively working in the field. We respond immediately to all reports, from flooding to fallen trees and infrastructure issues.”
GET WELL SOON MESSAGE TO INJURED POLICE OFFICERS
Aslan conveyed his get well soon wishes to the police officers injured in the accident that occurred on the Northern Marmara Highway in the morning hours.
CRITICAL WARNING TO CITIZENS
Calling on Istanbul residents, Aslan stated that they should avoid going out in traffic unless absolutely necessary, and that they should be cautious in risky areas and follow official warnings. “We are in the field; we are not leaving Istanbul alone,” Aslan warned that the rainfall may continue.