Flooding in Istanbul Disrupts Roads, Schools and Emergency Services

Flooding in Istanbul has killed at least three people after torrential rain overwhelmed streets and residential areas on October 14–15, 2026. The city recorded its heaviest rainfall in decades, disrupting traffic and damaging infrastructure. Here’s the latest update.

Flooding in Istanbul 

Flooding in Istanbul: Latest Updates

⚠️ Casualties: At least three people dead as of October 15, 2026.

🌧️ Rainfall: Nearly 194 mm recorded in Omerli, Beykoz.

🚧 Damage: Flooded homes, businesses, roads and hospital facilities.

🚒 Disruptions: School closures, motorcycle restrictions and severe traffic congestion.

Flooding in Istanbul After Record-Breaking Rainfall

Heavy rain swept across Istanbul on Wednesday, October 14, flooding homes, shops, roads and underpasses. 

The downpour brought traffic to a near standstill in Turkey’s largest city, leaving drivers stranded as fast-moving water swept some vehicles away.

Officials described the rainfall as the heaviest in 83 years. Nearly 194 millimeters (7.6 inches) of rain fell in the Omerli area of Beykoz, on Istanbul’s Asian side. 

Acting Istanbul Mayor Nuri Aslan also reported nearly 100 mm of rain in some areas within 12 hours.

At least three people died in the flooding, according to officials on October 15. 

• A 14-year-old boy died after being electrocuted when he stepped into a puddle in the Fatih district. 

• A 34-year-old man died after slipping on a sidewalk in Sariyer and hitting his head. 

• A third victim was found near a park in Kagithane. 

Authorities also reported several people missing as rescue operations continued.

Heavy rain caused severe flooding in Istanbul (Getty Image)

Emergency Measures and Flood Damage Across Istanbul

The Istanbul governor’s office closed schools and extended the suspension through Friday, October 16. 

Some public-sector employees, including people with disabilities and mothers of young children, were also granted leave. 

Authorities banned motorcycles from the roads and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel. 

People living in basement apartments were advised to move to higher floors or seek safer accommodation.

The flooding damaged critical infrastructure across the city. Water entered two hospitals and poured through the ceiling of Haciosman metro station. 

Sections of roads collapsed in the Eyupsultan and Gaziosmanpasa districts, while a retaining wall at a primary school in Sultangazi collapsed with students inside. 

No student injuries were reported.

Emergency services received more than 2,500 weather-related incident reports. These included 1,277 flooding reports and 15 landslides. 

Officials also reported damage to more than 800 homes, 280 businesses and 76 vehicles. 

The disruption pushed traffic congestion to around 90% during the evening rush hour.

Buildings and cars submerged in water duet to severe flooding (Reuters)

Check the local weather forecast and rainfall conditions in Beykoz before travelling or returning to flood-affected areas.

Recovery Efforts Continue as More Rain Threatens Istanbul

Rescue teams continued evacuating stranded residents and responding to reports of missing people. 

Turkey’s Interior Minister said more than 2,700 people had been safely evacuated, while thousands of personnel and emergency vehicles were deployed across Istanbul. 

Authorities also began assessing property damage and working to restore access to affected areas.

Residents are evacuated by rescue team (AA Photo)

Further showers were forecast for Istanbul and surrounding areas in the coming days, raising concerns about additional flooding. 

Residents should avoid underpasses, flooded roads and fast-flowing water, and follow official weather alerts and evacuation instructions. 

Those in vulnerable areas should remain prepared to move to safer ground if conditions worsen

References

1. Al Jazeera

2. ABC News

3. RFI

4. AP News