18.10.2026 13:40
The lifeless body of 30-year-old Turkmenistan national Murat Babacanov, who went missing in the flood that occurred in Sarıyer Ayazağa after the downpour that affected Istanbul on October 14, was found in the Golden Horn. With Babacanov's death, the number of people who lost their lives in the flood rose to 5. Search efforts continue to find 63-year-old Ahmet Derin and 55-year-old Haşim Ciritoğulları, who went missing in the same flood.
Sad news has come from Murat Babacanov, one of the 3 people who went missing when Ayazağa Stream overflowed. The lifeless body of Babacanov, who had been searched for for days, was found near the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Golden Horn Altınboynuz Facilities.
THE LAST SIGNAL HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM AYAZAĞA SQUARE
In the downpour that was effective on October 14, Ayazağa Stream overflowed, and no news could be received from Babacanov after 18:50 on the day the rainfall was effective. Babacanov's friend Artur Seydullayev stated that he had last spoken with him on the phone and that the last phone signal had been received from Ayazağa Square. Seydullayev said they thought the flood might have swept his friend away.
SEARCHES WERE ALSO BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE GOLDEN HORN
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül had announced that the identities of the 3 people who went missing in the flood were known, and that one was a citizen of Turkmenistan and two were citizens of Turkey. Governor Gül stated that searches were continuing on land, in the stream, and at sea along the 17-kilometer stream line, and said that the Coast Guard and underwater teams were conducting searches at sea, especially in the Golden Horn.
SEARCHES CONTINUE FOR 2 PEOPLE
After Babacanov was found, search efforts continue for Ahmet Derin and Haşim Ciritoğulları, who went missing in Ayazağa. Derin's vehicle had previously been removed from Kağıthane Stream, but he could not be reached. Mobile phone footage of the moments when Derin's vehicle was swept away in floodwaters had also emerged.
SUPPORT FOR SHOPKEEPERS, DEMOLITION IN THE STREAM BED
10,000 lira each was deposited into the accounts of 5,000 citizens affected by the flood for urgent needs. Governor Gül announced that the Confederation of Turkish Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK) would transfer 80 million lira for tradesmen affected by the flood, and that 200 million lira in funding was provided by the ministry. In Ayazağa, the demolition of 19 shops, 2 residences, 1 Quran course, and a stadium and its stands, which obstruct İSKİ's stream rehabilitation project, is continuing.