Istanbul Flooded: Rainfall Brings Traffic and Life to a Standstill

The heavy rainfall in Istanbul caused flooding in many areas, with the European side being particularly affected. In districts such as Beşiktaş, Fatih, Şişli, Bakırköy, Sultangazi, and Kağıthane, the rain turned roads into lakes and flooded underpasses, causing difficulties for both drivers and pedestrians. The rainfall had a negative impact on daily life, and the accumulation of water in the streets of Şişli, Sultangazi, Kağıthane, and Beşiktaş made it challenging for vehicles and pedestrians to move around. In the 19th of May neighborhood of Şişli, shopkeepers attempted to drain the accumulated water by lifting the manhole covers, while in the Halide Edip Adıvar neighborhood, overflowing manholes made it hard for vehicles to advance. In Mecidiyeköy Square, cars had to drive through water that rose up to their wheels, and in the Fulya neighborhood, a motorcyclist tried to rescue his motorcycle from the flooded road, while in the Yayla neighborhood, another motorcycle was swept away by the flowing water. On Akar Avenue, water gushed from the retaining wall onto the road, and in Sultangazi, the accumulated rainwater exceeded the sidewalk level, with some vehicles' wheels completely submerged. In the Fatih district, the Kapalıçarşı area also experienced water accumulation. Shopkeepers tried to take precautions to prevent the water from entering their stores. On the Asian side, the districts of Ümraniye, Çekmeköy, Kadıköy, Beykoz, and Üsküdar were also affected by the intermittent thunderstorms. In Çekmeköy, a citizen attempted to clear a clogged manhole using a pole.