Istanbul paralyzed by downpour: Yellow alert issued for Marmara region

Heavy rainfall has brought Istanbul to a standstill, with widespread flooding and transportation disruptions paralyzing the city. The downpour, which began in the morning and intensified by midday, submerged numerous streets, overwhelmed sewers, and flooded underpasses and businesses across multiple districts.

The storm's impact extends beyond Istanbul, triggering a yellow alert across the entire Marmara region. Intermittent showers and thunderstorms are expected throughout the region, with particularly strong localized rainfall anticipated in southern parts of Istanbul, Tekirdağ, and Kırklareli. The General Directorate of Meteorology has issued warnings for potential floods, flash floods, lightning strikes, transportation disruptions, localized hail, and strong winds during the downpours.

Several areas in Istanbul experienced severe flooding, including Sultangazi, Esenler, Kağıthane, Beşiktaş, Şişli, Kadıköy, Üsküdar, Çekmeköy, and Fatih. Streets quickly turned into rivers, and water flow created torrents in hilly areas. In Beşiktaş, a woman narrowly escaped being swept away by the strong currents on a flooded street, requiring assistance from bystanders. Motorcycle couriers in Çekmeköy were also swept away by the floodwaters, causing them to fall.

Historic areas were not spared, with water accumulating in parts of the Grand Bazaar and flooding shops in the Karaköy Underground Market. Shopkeepers struggled to drain the water themselves. Tourists and locals alike faced difficulties navigating the flooded streets. Businesses located on ground floors and basements were at increased risk of inundation. In Kağıthane, a burst sewer pipe flooded a street and a market, causing distress for vendors and shoppers. Fallen trees in Şişli damaged parked vehicles, while vehicles in Mecidiyeköy had to navigate through water reaching their wheels. An underpass in Zincirlikuyu was submerged, and traffic slowed on Harem Sahil Yolu due to accumulated water.