Downpour in Istanbul: Floods from Bağcılar to Beykoz, tunnels closed

Heavy rainfall affecting Istanbul since yesterday evening has paralyzed traffic across the city; flooding occurred in Bağcılar Yavuz Selim, Eyüpsultan Alibeyköy, and Gaziosmanpaşa Galeri Caddesi. According to Anadolu Agency.

The road beneath Bahçelievler's İncirli Bridge was completely submerged. In Başakşehir, manhole covers were displaced, while in Beyoğlu Karaköy tourists struggled to walk and citizens rushed to help. Water accumulations also formed on Bebek coastal road.

In Arnavutköy Bolluca Neighborhood, vehicles were stranded while services on some transit lines were cancelled; underpasses and tunnels were closed to traffic. Some homes, businesses, and sports facilities were flooded; landslides and fallen trees were recorded in Arnavutköy and several adjacent districts.

Meteorology and Disaster Management Professor Mikdat Kadıoğlu warned that the 104 millimeters of rainfall measured on October 14 saturated the soil, and even 15-20 millimeters of rain expected to fall on October 15 could generate surface runoff equivalent to 40-50 millimeters on dry ground. Based on data from the Meteorology General Directorate, Istanbul's Provincial Administration announced that rainfall would continue within the scope of a 'yellow alert.'