16.10.2026 08:20
The moments when Nazan Öncel, who was stranded in the flood in Istanbul, was rescued with an excavator have come to light. The artist, stating that AFAD teams got them home, asked after learning of the death of a school employee, “If those excavators had stayed in that area instead of carrying us, could that child be alive today?”
Nazan Öncel, who was stranded in the flood in Istanbul, stated that AFAD teams got them to their homes with excavators and boats. The artist, who published footage of her rescue, also described her sorrow after learning that a school employee had lost their life.
While roads were submerged due to the heavy rain that affected Istanbul, footage emerged of the moments when Nazan Öncel, who had previously asked for help, was rescued. The artist, who was stranded on the Göktürk-Kemerburgaz road, stated that she reached her home with the intervention of AFAD teams.
“AFAD GOT US TO OUR HOME WITH EXCAVATORS AND BOATS”
Öncel described what she experienced as follows:
“AFAD got us to our home with excavators and boats. The stranded children of Okyanus College were rescued with boats. School officials did their best and delivered the children safe and sound.”
The artist also addressed citizens with the words, “This is the Göktürk-Kemerburgaz road. Unless it is absolutely necessary, no one should leave their home! I am warning you!”
SHE REACTED TO THE BUSINESS
Öncel also made accusations against Ofluoğlu Köftecisi in her statement. The artist said that the business closed its restrooms, removed the families who reacted, and drove away AFAD teams; she stated that families had to take their children to a gas station restroom. The other party's response to Öncel's statements about the business was not included in the reported text.
“COULD THAT CHILD BE ALIVE TODAY?”
In another statement, Öncel, who stated that she learned that a school employee had been swept away by floodwaters and lost their life, expressed her sorrow:
“The school employee was swept away by floodwaters and lost their life; three more of our people are missing; they are reportedly being searched for. I am very sorry. On the other hand, I wonder whether I am now living in place of that child who worked in the cafeteria.
Questions such as whether that child could be alive today if those excavators had stayed in that area instead of carrying us keep occupying my mind.”
Öncel concluded her statement with the words, “In the end, it is again the poor who suffer. I am very sorry.”