Heavy rainfall that swept across Istanbul after warnings from the Turkish State Meteorological Service caused widespread flooding, disrupting daily life in several districts as roads, underpasses, homes and workplaces were inundated.

A weather system moving from the Central Mediterranean combined with cold air from the Balkans brought heavy rain and strong winds to Istanbul and much of Türkiye, with the most intense rainfall affecting the city's northern and western districts.

According to meteorological data, rainfall reached 95 kilograms per square metre in parts of Beykoz, Sarıyer, Eyüpsultan, Arnavutköy, Başakşehir, Sultangazi and Büyükçekmece, while other districts recorded between 10 and 40 kilograms per square metre.

Flooding affects homes, roads and traffic

The rainfall intensified from Tuesday evening, leaving streets submerged and causing flooding in several neighbourhoods across the city.

In the Haramidere Industrial Zone in Esenyurt, floodwaters entered several workplaces, while vehicles became stranded on inundated roads in the İkitelli area of Başakşehir.

In Sultangazi, flooded roads forced pedestrians to seek shelter, bus stops became crowded and transportation for students was disrupted. Several vehicles were trapped after an underpass in the Cebeci neighbourhood filled with water.

A basement apartment in Gonca Street in Büyükçekmece's Hürriyet neighbourhood was also flooded.

Drivers experienced difficulties navigating waterlogged roads in Tokatköy and along the Akbaba-Dereseki route in Beykoz, while heavy flooding in İstinye forced motorists to slow down and made it difficult for pedestrians to cross streets safely.

Authorities maintain weather warnings

Authorities warned that heavy showers accompanied by strong winds could continue throughout the day, particularly in Beykoz, Sarıyer, Eyüpsultan, Başakşehir, Esenyurt, Büyükçekmece, Avcılar and Küçükçekmece.

Emergency response teams remained on alert as officials urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, stay away from flood-prone areas and follow official weather advisories while adverse conditions persist.(ILKHA)