Heavy rain caused widespread flooding across Istanbul on Wednesday, leaving streets submerged, vehicles stranded and landslides reported in several districts.
The downpour inundated roads and underpasses in numerous neighbourhoods, flooded homes and businesses, and led to significant traffic disruption in the city of about 16 million people.
Authorities recorded more than 1,200 flooding incidents and 15 landslides. Dozens of people were stranded, while hundreds of homes, businesses and vehicles were affected.
Traffic congestion reached nearly 90 percent during the evening rush hour. Sections of road collapsed in districts including Eyüpsultan and Gaziosmanpaşa.
The Istanbul Governor’s Office suspended in-person classes at all public and private schools for Thursday and advised residents to stay home unless travel was essential. Motorcycles were also barred from the roads.
Emergency teams, including thousands of personnel and vehicles, were deployed to respond to the incidents.
One 14-year-old boy died after being electrocuted in floodwaters in the Fatih district, according to local authorities.
The heaviest rainfall was recorded in parts of the Asian side of the city, with some areas receiving close to 200 kilograms per square metre.
AbdulBasit Saba is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
