Deadly Floods Kill Six in Istanbul After Heaviest Rainfall in 84 Years

Deadly Floods Kill Six in Istanbul After Heaviest Rainfall in 84 Years
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Severe flooding triggered by torrential rainfall in Istanbul, Türkiye, has killed at least six people in the city and caused extensive damage to residential and commercial areas. Turkish authorities described the rainfall as the heaviest recorded in more than eight decades, as emergency crews continued rescue operations, debris clearance and searches for missing people.

According to Euronews and the Associated Press, heavy rainfall beginning on October 14, 2026, caused widespread flooding across Istanbul, inundating homes, businesses, streets and underpasses and leaving vehicles trapped in floodwaters. Rainfall exceeded 200 millimeters in some areas, disrupting transportation and airport operations. Authorities also introduced emergency measures to protect residents and address the effects of the flooding in affected districts.

On Monday, October 19, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül announced that the death toll in the city had reached six, with one person still missing.

Turkish authorities also reported nearly 19,300 damage reports, with approximately 2,000 residential properties and 900 commercial premises suffering significant damage. The government has begun providing emergency financial assistance to affected residents and businesses as recovery efforts continue.