15.10.2026 09:02
The scale of the flood disaster in Istanbul, in which 2 people lost their lives and a 41-year rainfall record was broken, became clear as day broke. In footage recorded this morning in Sarıyer Ayazağa, numerous vehicles swept by floodwaters were seen tangled with each other, while some were piled on top of one another. As the streets were covered with muddy water, the scene resembling wreckage formed by cars and minibuses laid bare the severity of the disaster.
The severe downpour that hit Istanbul on Wednesday and continued throughout the night caused major damage in the Ayazağa neighborhood of Sarıyer. Images that emerged after the rainfall eased toward morning revealed the scale of the disaster.
In footage recorded in Ayazağa this morning, many vehicles swept away by floodwaters were seen piled on top of one another on a narrow street. As cars, light commercial vehicles, and minibuses became wedged together, it drew attention that some vehicles rose with the force of the flood and climbed on top of others.
VEHICLES CLIMBED ON TOP OF EACH OTHER
In the footage, a white light commercial vehicle was seen stranded in muddy water, multiple cars collided and became wedged together, and some vehicles rested at an angle on top of others.
It was notable that the muddy water accumulating along the street covered the vehicles' wheels, and items swept away by the flood were also trapped between the cars.
The resulting scene showed that the downpour not only disrupted transportation but also caused serious damage to parked vehicles.
41-YEAR RAINFALL RECORD BROKEN IN ISTANBUL
The downpour affecting the megacity drew attention with the highest rainfall values recorded since 1985.
Rainfall amounts reached record levels, especially in the northern parts of the city. While 242 kilograms of rain per square meter fell in Beykoz, 190.5 kilograms were measured in Eyüpsultan and 187.9 kilograms in Sarıyer.
Due to the rainfall that quickly intensified, many avenues and streets were submerged, vehicles were swept away, and homes and businesses were flooded.
200 PEOPLE WERE TRAPPED IN AYAZAĞA
In Ayazağa, one of the areas hit hardest by the flood disaster, approximately 200 people working the night shift at businesses around Kemerburgaz Avenue had been trapped.
As a result of hours-long efforts by AFAD, the fire brigade, the Coast Guard, and other search and rescue teams, the trapped citizens were evacuated to safe areas with the help of construction machinery, boats, and high-clearance vehicles.
2 PEOPLE LOST THEIR LIVES, THOUSANDS OF REPORTS MADE
In the flood disaster across Istanbul, a 14-year-old child who was electrocuted in a puddle in Fatih and a 34-year-old person who fell while trying to cross floodwaters in Sarıyer lost their lives.
According to data announced by the Istanbul Governor's Office, a total of 2,518 reports reached AFAD and 112 between 06:00 and 20:00 on October 14. The reports included floods, landslides, and incidents of people being trapped.
The latest footage recorded in Ayazağa on the morning of October 15 revealed that although the floodwaters had begun to recede, traces of the disaster remained in the streets. The scene created by vehicles tangled together and piled on top of one another became one of the most striking images of the difficult night Istanbul experienced.