Key facts
- At least three people died in Istanbul due to heavy rainfall and floods.
- Over 2,700 people were evacuated after being stranded.
- Some areas received the highest rainfall since 1985.
A heavy downpour on Wednesday night caused widespread flooding in Istanbul, killing at least three people and forcing the evacuation of over 2,700 others. Homes, businesses, roads, and underpasses were inundated, leading to significant traffic disruptions. The Istanbul governor's office reported three fatalities, including a 14-year-old electrocuted and a 34-year-old who died after a fall. A third victim's body was discovered in another district. Four people remain missing. Some areas of the city experienced rainfall levels not seen since 1985. In Sakarya province, east of Istanbul, a house built on a riverbed collapsed due to the floods. The country's weather agency forecasts more rain in the coming days. In response to the severe weather, schools were closed through Friday, and some state employees were granted leave. Residents were advised to stay home unless travel was essential, and motorcycle use was temporarily banned.