Istanbul Floods

Istanbul was hit by what officials called the heaviest rainfall since records began in 1942, causing flash floods from October 14, 2026 that swept away cars and people. The flooding struck districts including Ayvansaray on the Golden Horn and Pendik, and extended into neighbouring Kocaeli province in northwestern Turkey.

As of October 19, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül said eight bodies had been recovered, six in Istanbul and two in Kocaeli, with one person still missing and searches continuing. Earlier, on October 15, the governor had reported three deaths and five missing. Authorities had received about 19,300 to 20,000 reports of property damage, and roughly 2,000 homes and 900 businesses were seriously damaged.

Crews were draining floodwater and clearing debris. Authorities paid 10,000 Turkish lira (about €180) to 5,200 affected residents on October 16, with another 2,500 payments due October 19, and Trade Minister Ömer Bolat announced TL 80 million in aid for affected tradespeople. No tracked relief organizations had been confirmed responding as of October 22.