Strong storm in Istanbul: Two people have died / Streets and homes flooded

The torrential rains that hit Istanbul on Wednesday evening flooded homes, shops, streets, and underpasses, leaving numerous vehicles stranded and causing traffic chaos. Firefighters and emergency response teams worked through the night to rescue hundreds of people stranded at their workplaces, while passersby helped others in difficulty.

Local media reported that two people died. A 14-year-old teenager was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle in a park in the Fatih district, while a 34-year-old person slipped on a sidewalk in the Sarıyer district and hit their head.

The rain continued on Thursday morning. The Istanbul Municipality announced that some areas recorded the highest amount of rainfall since 1985. Classes were suspended, some state employees were given the day off, and authorities recommended that residents stay home. Motorcycles were temporarily banned from traffic.