Flooding in Istanbul: more than 1,277 inundations recorded across the city

Heavy downpours in Istanbul, Turkey's largest city, caused flooding and inundations. Streets, homes and workplaces were submerged, leaving many people in difficult circumstances.

According to the Istanbul Governor's Office, 1,277 inundations, 15 rescues and 47 cases of people stranded were recorded across the city. Record-level rainfall caused serious flooding, particularly in the city's northern districts and in the direction of Sarıyer.

The Ayazağa neighborhood of the Sarıyer district was the worst affected by the disaster. There, in the area where Phoenix Studios is located, the water level rose rapidly, the studio was flooded and the power was cut. It was reported that 200–250 people were stranded at the studio.

Singer Murat Boz and actress Demet Özdemir were stranded at the studio in Ayazağa. Demet Özdemir had gone to the studio for an advertising shoot. Murat Boz went live and reported that the roads were under approximately 2 meters of water, and called for urgent help from AFAD, the municipality and the fire service. Demet Özdemir also wrote that they were on the first floor, which was about to be submerged, and called for help.

AFAD, UMKE, the Istanbul fire service, the Coast Guard and AKUT took part in the rescue operation, with police diving teams also providing support. Demet Özdemir was rescued by boat, while Murat Boz was evacuated close to the shore with the help of the gendarmerie and the Coast Guard. Singer Nazan Öncel was also among those affected by the rainfall.

The Istanbul Governor's Office announced that education at schools was suspended for the following day due to adverse weather conditions.

The flood once again showed that large cities are fragile against extreme rainfall. Official institutions continue to work on determining the damage and clearing the aftermath.

Prepared by:Abdulrahman Sadikhli