Istanbul faces more rain as flood searches continue

ISTANBUL

Istanbul prepared for renewed heavy rain on Oct. 16 as teams searched for five missing people following deadly floods that submerged homes, swept away vehicles and disrupted transport.

Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi reported three deaths from electrocution and drowning in the city late on Oct. 15.

Another person was missing in neighboring Kocaeli, bringing the number being sought across the two provinces to six.

Fatal accidents were also reported during repair and drainage work.

Construction worker Faik Şentürk died after falling into a well while draining floodwater at a school construction site in Beykoz.

In Zeytinburnu, Rahmetullah Acar died after falling from a three-story building while repairing its rain-damaged roof.

Whether these deaths were included in the official toll was not immediately clear.

Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change Minister Murat Kurum said in an overnight update that 3,057 people had been rescued in Istanbul.

Those needing accommodation were being housed in public guesthouses.

Schools remained closed in Istanbul on Oct. 16 for a second consecutive day.

Classes were also suspended in Kocaeli, Sakarya, Düzce, Yalova and Zonguldak.

Istanbul’s Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) forecast further showers on Oct. 16, followed by heavier rain of 30 to 60 millimeters on Oct. 17.

Experts warned that saturated ground could leave the city vulnerable to further flooding even with less intense rainfall, stressing the need to clear drains blocked by mud and leaves.

Çiftçi said rainfall had reached 272 millimeters in some areas.

Governor Davut Gül described the downpour as Istanbul’s heaviest since 1942.

Ayazağa in Sarıyer and parts of Beykoz were among the hardest-hit areas, with floodwaters carrying vehicles along streets and leaving them piled against one another.

Residents worked to drain flooded homes, while electricity and gas supplies were cut in some neighborhoods as a precaution.

The Kağıthane stream also overflowed, flooding nearby businesses and the historic Sadabat Mosque.

Kurum said the rain had caused 48 landslides and the collapse of 53 retaining walls across Istanbul.

Damage assessments were underway, with officials aiming to complete them over the weekend.

Gül said 51 flights bound for Istanbul Airport had been diverted and 19 arrivals and departures canceled because of the weather.

Justice Minister Akın Gürlek said criminal investigations had been opened to establish the circumstances of the incidents and identify any negligence.

Flooding also affected surrounding provinces.

In Sakarya’s Sapanca district, a house beside a swollen stream collapsed after being evacuated, with no casualties reported.

Authorities urged residents to avoid flooded roads, stay away from damaged electricity lines and wait for official clearance before returning to evacuated homes.