Brief

Istanbul floods kill four as rain breaks 80‑year record

The death toll rose to four after heavy rains caused unprecedented flooding across Istanbul, officials said.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 20:47:21 GMT

Turkey’s interior minister said Friday that Istanbul experienced its worst flooding in more than 80 years, with the death toll rising to four.

What happened

In the 48 hours up to Thursday morning, Istanbul received more rain than the combined historical average for September and October, according to the state‑run Anadolu Agency. The deluge flooded streets, parks and homes, washed vehicles down hills and left debris scattered across the city.

What the reports add

The Associated Press reported that the body of a 66‑year‑old man was found under a bridge in the Sariyer district on Friday, adding to three earlier deaths, including a teenager who was electrocuted. Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said there were 9,850 damage reports and that 46,000 personnel were deployed for cleanup and assistance.

What was said

"We are trying our best to help our citizens, but we are also experiencing the biggest flood disaster since 1942," Ciftci told reporters while visiting the hardest‑hit area.

Environment Minister Murat Kurum, who accompanied Ciftci, linked the floods to climate change, saying, "Combating climate change is not a choice, but a necessity."

How it came about

Earlier coverage by Felo News noted that the downpour was the strongest since 1942 and had already caused two deaths and school closures. The current report confirms the death toll has risen and expands on the scale of the response.

Key facts

Four people died in Istanbul floods (winnipegfreepress.com)
48‑hour rainfall exceeded the historical September‑October average (winnipegfreepress.com)
46,000 personnel were deployed for cleanup (winnipegfreepress.com)
9,850 damage reports were logged (winnipegfreepress.com)
A 66‑year‑old man’s body was found under a bridge in Sariyer (winnipegfreepress.com)