16.10.2026 11:57
Minister Murat Kurum and Minister Mustafa Çiftçi made statements regarding the flood disaster in Istanbul. While Kurum used the expressions, 'The disaster affected Ayazağa the most. Our priority is to meet the needs of citizens,' it was stated that a missing citizen was found alive. Searches are ongoing for 4 missing people.
In Istanbul, which received its heaviest rainfall in 84 years, efforts are underway to heal the wounds of the flood disaster. Minister of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Murat Kurum and Minister of Interior Mustafa Çiftçi made statements in Ayazağa, the area hit hardest by the flood.
4 MISSING PEOPLE ARE BEING SEARCHED FOR Minister Kurum said, "The disaster affected Ayazağa the most. Our priority is to meet the needs of citizens." Minister Çiftçi stated that one missing citizen was found alive. Searches continue for the 4 missing people.
"IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ARE INCREASING" Highlights from Minister Kurum's statements are as follows:
"This is a disaster in which Istanbul received its heaviest rainfall in 83 years. From the first moment, our state is here, and we are working with all our institutions under the coordination of our governor. I wish God's mercy upon those who lost their lives and urgent healing for the injured.
There is flooding in many places. We also assessed the citizens' problems. Planned urbanization and planned infrastructure are the most important work for today. We will experience these disasters more often. The effects of climate change are increasing. Therefore, combating climate change is not a choice but a necessity. Preparing Istanbul for earthquakes, constructing it, means taking measures against such disasters.
"THE CONTINUATION OF THE UNFINISHED STREAM REHABILITATION IS ESSENTIAL" We experienced this problem due to inadequate water drainage and unplanned urbanization. We will meet the needs here. Shelter for those in need of shelter, food for those in need of food. We will hold our discussions to resolve the flooding problems. Our teams are carrying out search activities for our missing citizens. Afterwards, we will consult with citizens here for permanent solutions. We have expressed whatever Ayazağa needs. The continuation of the unfinished stream rehabilitation is essential. We met with İBB, our acting mayor, and our Sarıyer mayor; we decided to do together what needs to be done here. Ayazağa and Cendere are very important.
"ALL UNITS OF THE STATE TOOK ACTION" With the awareness of mobilization, just as we took action in previous disasters, we will be in Istanbul with the same determination. We will be in Istanbul, the light of our eyes. Every district is valuable to us. Together with our nation, we will carry it out shoulder to shoulder. Our priority is to heal the traces of the disaster as soon as possible. We do not want to experience the same pains again. We will implement this determination in the field. Our state is with its nation. All units of the state took action. Whatever needs to be done, whoever needs to work, is working 24/7."
MINISTER ÇİFTÇİ: NEARLY 60,000 PERSONNEL IN THE FIELD Making statements after Minister Kurum, Minister Çiftçi began by wishing mercy upon those who lost their lives. Çiftçi said, "Yesterday, I tried to manage the events at the AFAD coordination center in Ankara. On October 14, MGM had issued a yellow code in 42 provinces and an orange code in 6 provinces. Yesterday, yellow dropped to 36 and orange to 4. Today, a yellow code continues in 26 provinces at the moment. Currently, 4 of our citizens are being searched for as missing. We are trying to get news from them. In the places where warnings were issued, nearly 60,000 of our personnel are in the field."
The color of the sea turned brown in some coastal parts of the Bosphorus and in the Golden Horn. "ONE OF THE 5 MISSING PERSONS CAME OUT HIMSELF" Emphasizing that the largest flood disaster since 1942 was experienced, Çiftçi said, "One of the 5 missing persons came out himself. He said a missing person report had been filed because his phone's battery died. I convey my best wishes to all our citizens due to this disaster. Damage assessment work continues. 9,850 reports were received in Istanbul. All units of the state are in the field. I thank all our teams."