In brief
Istanbul is battling a historic storm that turned its streets into rivers, killing a teenage boy and a man, and submerging cars and roads. Nearly 600 residents were rescued, while 8,000 workers and 46 planes joined emergency efforts. Authorities urge residents to stay home, expand metro hours, and warn that sudden flooding could hit other provinces.
Two people lost their lives after severe flooding swept through Istanbul, officials said the rain was the heaviest in 84 years.
A 14‑year‑old boy was electrocuted stepping into a puddle, while a 34‑year‑old man slipped on wet pavement and died of a head injury.
Nearly 600 residents were rescued from rising waters, and cars were submerged in several districts, the deputy mayor told.
Gov. Davut Gül urged citizens to stay home unless necessary and the city expanded metro hours to 2:00 a.m. to keep traffic flowing.
The flooding also grounded 46 aircraft at Istanbul airports, and sections of roads collapsed with a river bursting its banks, the interior ministry said.
More than 8,000 workers are responding, and emergency leave has been granted to disabled, pregnant, and elderly staff as the rain is expected to continue.
With a population of 16 million in the Greater Istanbul area, authorities warn that other provinces could face sudden floods.
