Istanbul faces more rain as flood searches continue

Istanbul raced to recover from catastrophic floods as new downpours threatened the city on October 16. Five people remained missing following the storms, which submerged homes, swept away vehicles, and disrupted transportation. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi confirmed three fatalities from electrocution and drowning in Istanbul on October 15. Another individual was unaccounted for in neighboring Kocaeli, raising the total number of missing persons to six across both regions. Two additional deaths occurred during flood-related repairs, one involving a construction worker who fell into a well in Beykoz, and another man who fell from a three-story building in Zeytinburnu while fixing a storm-damaged roof. It was unclear whether these fatalities were included in the official death toll. Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum stated that 3,057 people had been rescued in Istanbul and relocated to temporary shelters. Schools remained closed in Istanbul on October 16 for the second consecutive day, with similar closures announced in Kocaeli, Sakarya, Düzce, Yalova, and Zonguldak. Istanbul’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) predicted further light rain on October 16, followed by heavier precipitation of 30 to 60 millimeters on October 17. Experts warned that already saturated ground could lead to additional flooding even with lighter rainfall, emphasizing the urgency of clearing clogged drains. Rainfall reached 272 millimeters in certain areas, according to Çiftçi, and Governor Davut Gül described the deluge as the heaviest in Istanbul since 1942. Ayazağa in Sarıyer and sections of Beykoz suffered the most severe impacts, with floodwaters sweeping cars through streets and piling them up. Residents worked to drain water from their homes, while electricity and gas supplies were cut off in several neighborhoods as a precaution. The Kağıthane stream overflowed, submerging nearby businesses and the historic Sadabat Mosque. Kurum noted that the rains had triggered 48 landslides and the collapse of 53 retaining walls across Istanbul. Damage assessments were ongoing, with officials aiming to finalize them by the weekend. Fifty-one flights heading to Istanbul Airport were rerouted, and 19 arrivals and departures were canceled due to the weather. Justice Minister Akın Gürlek announced criminal investigations into the incidents to determine if negligence played a role. Surrounding provinces were also impacted, with a house collapsing near a swollen stream in Sakarya’s Sapanca district, though no injuries were reported. Authorities advised residents to avoid flooded roads, stay clear of damaged power lines, and await official permission before returning to evacuated homes. Istanbul recorded its highest rainfall in 83 years, accumulating 273 millimeters in 24 hours, according to Kurum. This increase raised dam fill levels by 7% in a single day. Damage assessments identified 300 businesses and 200 vehicles as affected in Ayazağa alone. The Agriculture and Forestry Ministry reported 109 dead animals and planned to assist affected farmers with supplies such as animal feed and greenhouse covers. In Sakarya, approximately 140 millimeters of rain fell, leading to the collapse of a house and a bridge. Six road routes in Istanbul were closed, and electricity was cut for around 40,000 residents. Further rain was anticipated, prompting orange-level weather alerts for Zonguldak and Düzce. Kurum attributed the extreme rainfall to shifting weather patterns linked to climate change, calling for improved drainage infrastructure, routine maintenance of stream channels, and updated flood risk evaluations. He emphasized the necessity of collaboration between national and local authorities to enhance urban resilience against future disasters.