Flash floods kill at least 3 in Istanbul after record rainfall

Torrential rain caused flash floods in Istanbul, killing at least 3 people and leaving 5 missing, Le Figaro and 24 heures reported. Turkish newspaper Milliyet, cited by Bulgarian outlet 24 Chasa, reported a 4th death: the body of a man who fell into a well while helping clear floodwater was found in the Beykoz district.

The rainfall was the heaviest in Istanbul in 84 years, since records began in Turkey, 24 Chasa reported. In some districts, 261 litres of rain fell per square metre, compared with a previous high of around 200 litres. Le Figaro said it was the highest rainfall level recorded in the city since 1942.

Flooding submerged roads, rivers overflowed, and metro stations and cars were flooded, paralysing transport across the city, 24 Chasa reported. bne IntelliNews said the heavy rain exposed roads that had been built on riverbeds.

Istanbul governor Davut Gul said 46,597 personnel took part in the clean-up and rescue effort, including 8,597 rescue team members and 19 technical field teams; 2,722 people were rescued by boat or other vehicles, 24 Chasa reported.

Authorities cancelled schools for Thursday and Friday and granted administrative leave for disabled people, veterans, pregnant women and mothers of children under 8 who work in public institutions. A ban on two-wheeled vehicles, including motorcycles, remains in place until weather conditions improve. 16 roads were closed, and 51 flights were diverted from Istanbul Airport, with 19 flights cancelled, 24 Chasa reported.

Turkey's justice minister said the causes of the flooding would be investigated, while the family and social services minister said 200 million Turkish lira, about 3.6 million euros, had been allocated to meet victims' basic needs, 24 Chasa reported, citing Hurriyet.

Severe weather continues across Turkey, with yellow or orange warnings issued in 48 of the country's 81 provinces because of expected heavy rain and storms, 24 Chasa reported.