site.btaIstanbul Flood Death Toll Rises to Three, Four People Missing

The death toll from flooding in Istanbul has risen to three, with four people missing, NTV reported. According to Istanbul Governor's Office, the third victim was a man aged around 40 whose body was found in Sadabat Park, near a bridge in Kagithane district. The river of the same name overflowed its banks on Wednesday evening.

The two victims reported earlier were aged 14 and 34. A 14-year-old boy was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle. A 34-year-old man slipped and fell while attempting to cross floodwaters, striking his head on the pavement. Bystanders rushed to help and pulled him out of the water. He was taken to hospital but died without regaining consciousness. 

Three other people were also taken to hospital, where they remain under treatment but are not in life-threatening condition.

The rainfall that paralysed life in Istanbul was the heaviest recorded in 84 years, since rainfall measurements began in Turkiye, Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said in a statement broadcast live on TRT Haber.

"These are the highest rainfall totals recorded in Istanbul since the General Directorate of Meteorology began keeping records in 1942," Gul said. Rainfall in some parts of the city reached 261 litres per square metre, compared with previous recorded peaks of around 200 litres per square metre.

Thursday was declared a non-school day, and schools will also remain closed on Friday. People eligible for administrative leave in public institutions, including people with disabilities, war veterans, pregnant women and mothers of children under eight, may also stay off work.

The ban on motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles remains in force. Gul said a further announcement would be made when road conditions were safe for travel.

The governor also provided an update on rescue, clearance and evacuation operations. A total of 46,597 personnel have been involved, including 8,597 rescue workers, with 19 technical teams deployed in the field. Some 2,722 people have been rescued by boat or other vehicles. Rescue operations are continuing at 14 locations across Istanbul.

Air traffic remains disrupted, with 51 flights diverted from Istanbul Airport to alternative airports. Nineteen flights have been cancelled, including 12 departures and seven arrivals. Sixteen roads have been closed.

Severe weather is continuing across Turkiye, with yellow or orange weather alerts in force in 48 of the country's 81 provinces amid forecasts of heavy rain and storms.