Istanbul (Rajeev Sharma): Severe flooding has killed four people in Istanbul after torrential rainfall submerged streets, inundated homes and businesses, and swept vehicles away across Turkiye’s largest city. Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci described the disaster as the worst flooding the city has experienced since 1942, as emergency personnel continued cleanup and assistance operations on Friday, October 16.
Istanbul, which has a population of around 16 million, received more rain in the 48 hours leading up to Thursday morning than the combined historical average for September and October, according to state-run Anadolu Agency.
The latest fatality was a 66-year-old man whose body was found beneath a bridge in the city’s Sariyer district on Friday. Three other deaths had been reported earlier, including that of a teenager who was electrocuted during the storm.
Istanbul Floods: How Severe Is The Damage?
The downpour caused widespread disruption across Istanbul, with floodwater covering roads, parks and residential areas. Homes and businesses were inundated, while vehicles were carried away by the rushing water. Several cars ended up piled together at the bottom of hills, illustrating the force of the floodwaters.
Speaking during a visit to an affected neighbourhood, Ciftci said authorities were doing their best to assist residents while dealing with what he described as the biggest flood disaster since 1942.
The minister said authorities had received 9,850 reports of damage and other flood-related problems. Around 46,000 personnel were working to clear debris and help affected residents across the city.
Search operations for missing people were also continuing after the latest body was recovered. The number of people still missing remained subject to updates from authorities.
Heavy Rainfall Exceeds September And October Averages
The scale of the flooding followed exceptionally heavy rainfall over a short period. According to Anadolu Agency, the amount of rain recorded in the 48 hours leading up to Thursday morning exceeded Istanbul’s combined historical average for September and October.
The intense downpour overwhelmed parts of the city, sending water through streets and residential neighbourhoods and leaving vehicles stranded or swept away.
The flooding also renewed concerns about the vulnerability of urban areas to extreme rainfall. Istanbul’s dense development and infrastructure face pressure when large volumes of water arrive within a short period.
Turkiye Ministers Raise Concerns Over Climate Change And Urban Development
Ciftci visited one of the hardest-hit neighbourhoods alongside Murat Kurum, Turkiye’s minister for environment, urbanisation and climate change.
Kurum addressed concerns about whether urban development near waterways had worsened the impact of the flooding, saying the issue needed to be addressed. He also linked the disaster to the effects of climate change.
“Combating climate change is not a choice, but a necessity,” Kurum said.
He is scheduled to chair the United Nations climate change conference, COP31, which is due to take place next month in Antalya, Turkiye.
The flooding has added to concerns about the ability of cities to cope with extreme weather, particularly when intense rainfall coincides with densely built-up areas. However, the precise contribution of climate change and local urban planning to this particular disaster has not been quantified in the reported statements.
Emergency Response Continues As Istanbul Assesses Flood Impact
Authorities continued working to remove debris, respond to damage reports and assist residents affected by the flooding. The recovery effort involves tens of thousands of personnel as the city assesses the impact on homes, businesses, roads and public spaces.
The discovery of the 66-year-old man’s body on Friday brought the reported death toll to four, following three earlier fatalities. Officials were also continuing to account for missing people as the response proceeded.
With extensive damage reported across Istanbul, the immediate priorities remain assisting affected residents, clearing flooded areas and determining the full extent of the destruction caused by the downpour.
