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Governor Declares Emergency as Istanbul Floods Kill Two

By Drooid · Oct 15, 2026, 3:28 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Governor Declares Emergency

Governor Davut Gül declared an emergency after torrential rain caused flooding that killed two people.
A 14-year-old boy died from electrocution in a puddle at Çukurbostan Park.
A 34-year-old man died after slipping on a flooded road in Sariyer.
Around 8,000 responders and 2,000 vehicles were deployed by Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).

Summary

Governor Urges Evacuation

Governor Davut Gül urged basement residents to move to higher floors and call 112 if shelterless.
He advised against private car use, recommending public transport during the downpour.
Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan warned winds could reach 75-80 km/h and said 100 kg rain fell per square metre in twelve hours.
Authorities deployed 8,392 personnel and 2,246 vehicles; forecasts expect the Anatolian side to receive the heaviest rainfall overnight.

History

Historical Context

In August 2009, Istanbul endured a historic flash-flood that inundated neighborhoods, killing six people and prompting a citywide emergency declaration. The Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality mobilized 2,000 rescue vehicles and 5,000 civil servants, while AFAD and the Turkish Ministry of Interior coordinated 1,200 additional units. Today's torrential rains echo that 2009 disaster, as Governor Davut Gül orders evacuations, Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan warns of 75-80 km/h winds, and 8,300 responders mobilize. The recurrence underscores Istanbul’s need for upgraded drainage, stricter zoning, and sustained citywide investment in AFAD and IBB emergency capacities.

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Governor Declares Emergency

Governor Davut Gül declared an emergency after torrential rain caused flooding that killed two people.
A 14-year-old boy died from electrocution in a puddle at Çukurbostan Park.
A 34-year-old man died after slipping on a flooded road in Sariyer.
Around 8,000 responders and 2,000 vehicles were deployed by Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IBB).

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