Two killed and about 600 residents evacuated in Istanbul due to the heaviest downpours in 84 years

Two people died in Istanbul as a result of flooding caused by the heaviest rains in the last 84 years — a teenager from an electric shock and a 34-year-old man. Rescuers evacuated 595 people, and more than 46 aircraft were unable to land at the city's airports. The government ordered schools closed, and the metro extended its operation until 2 a.m.

tafs uz editorial deskFirst published on tafs uz 16 October 2026 at 17:362 min readAI translation

The key facts

Two people died in Istanbul due to flooding: a 14-year-old teenager from an electric shock and a 34-year-old man who was injured in a fall
595 people were evacuated, and more than 8,000 emergency service personnel are involved in dealing with the aftermath
Due to the rains, 46 aircraft were unable to land at Istanbul's airports, schools are closed, and the metro is operating until 2 a.m.

Two dead and hundreds evacuated

Two people died as a result of severe flooding in Istanbul, Turkey. According to the provincial governor, the cause was the heaviest rains in the last 84 years. It is reported that a 14-year-old teenager died from an electric shock while moving through a flooded area. The second victim was a 34-year-old man: he was trying to cross the road, slipped, fell and hit his head on a stone laid along the sidewalk. The governor's office is investigating the teenager's death from electric shock.

Evacuation and emergency services' work

According to Istanbul Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan, rescuers evacuated 595 people who had been blocked by the flood to safe places. In some districts of the city, cars were flooded. More than 8,000 emergency and municipal service personnel are involved in dealing with the aftermath of the disaster. Provincial Governor Davut Gul urged residents not to leave their homes unless absolutely necessary.

Restrictions and transport consequences

According to Turkey's Minister of Internal Affairs, in some districts of Istanbul the amount of precipitation equal to one seventh of the annual average fell. Since the rains were expected to continue, the government ordered schools to be closed. Residents were advised to use public transport instead of private cars, and the Istanbul metro's operation was extended until 2 a.m. Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan, on the social network X, urged citizens to be especially vigilant during the night hours due to expected heavy rains and thunderstorms.