Brief

Two killed as Istanbul endures record rainfall and flash floods

Governor Davut Gul said the downpour was the strongest since 1942 and ordered schools to close through Monday.

By Felo News Desk · Published Fri, 16 Oct 2026 03:25:33 GMT

Istanbul battled flash flooding on Thursday after the heaviest rain in the city since records began in 1942, according to Governor Davut Gul.

The downpour started Wednesday morning, intensified through the day and produced 1,277 flooding incidents, 15 landslides and stranded dozens of people, the AFAD disaster agency reported.

Two deaths were confirmed: a 14‑year‑old boy electrocuted in the Balat neighbourhood and another victim whose identity was not released. Three more people were hospitalized, Gul said.

Gul announced that all schools would remain closed until Monday and urged residents to avoid basements, stream beds and underpasses, adding that those in basement apartments should spend the night on higher floors.

Air travel was disrupted as 43 flights to Istanbul Airport and three to Sabiha Gökçen were diverted or suspended because of strong winds, the transport ministry said.

Key facts

Istanbul experienced its strongest rainfall since 1942 (gulfnews.com)
Two people died, including a 14‑year‑old boy electrocuted in Balat (gulfnews.com)
Governor Davut Gul ordered schools to stay closed until Monday (gulfnews.com)
43 flights to Istanbul Airport and three to Sabiha Gökçen were diverted (gulfnews.com)