Downpour nightmare in Istanbul: Vehicle falls into a sinkhole, businesses flooded, the Bosphorus turns brown!

The downpour, which has been effective in Istanbul since the evening of October 13, caused disruptions in transportation and flooding across the city. While water puddles formed on many streets and avenues due to the intermittent rainfall, some underpasses, residences, and businesses were submerged.

Drivers and pedestrians had difficulty moving in the areas where the rainfall was heavy. Some vehicles became stranded due to water accumulating on the roads.

The color of the sea changed due to the heavy rainfall. The Istanbul Bosphorus, which turned brown with the downpour, was captured from the air.

FLOODING OCCURRED IN ESENYURT AND İKİTELLİ

While water puddles caused by the rainfall negatively affected transportation in Esenyurt, some businesses in the Haramidere Industrial Zone were flooded. It was reported that vehicles were also stranded on the roads in the İkitelli region of Başakşehir.

Vehicles had difficulty moving due to water accumulating on the Mahmutbey-Habipler road. Traffic on the route came to a standstill from time to time.

Roads in Sultangazi were also covered with water following the heavy rainfall.

Citizens trying to protect themselves from the rain took shelter under eaves, while crowds formed at public transport stops.

The basement of a building in Cebeci Neighborhood was flooded. Fire crews were dispatched to the area upon notification, and it was reported that material damage occurred in the incident.

In Beykoz, water puddles formed on the route of Tokatköy and the Akbaba-Dereseki road.

TRAFFIC CONGESTION INCREASED IN ISTANBUL

The heavy rainfall also negatively affected traffic on Istanbul's main transportation routes.

It was reported that the congestion on the D-100 highway on the Anatolian Side extended from Tuzla to the entrance of the Eurasia Tunnel.

While there was traffic congestion towards the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge up to the bridge entrance, vehicles moved slowly between Altunizade and Ümraniye on the Şile Highway.

HEAVY RAIN WARNING FOR ISTANBUL FROM METEOROLOGY

The General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) issued yellow and orange coded meteorological warnings for 18 provinces, including Istanbul, due to the expectation of heavy rainfall and storms.

It was stated that heavy rain and wind are expected in all districts of Istanbul, which was warned with a yellow code. While it is estimated that downpours and thunderstorms will be effective across the city, it is predicted that the wind will blow strongly from the north and as a storm in some regions.

VEHICLE FELL INTO A SINKHOLE

While water puddles caused by the rainfall negatively affected transportation in Esenyurt, some businesses in the Haramidere Industrial Zone were flooded.

While vehicles were stranded on the roads in the İkitelli region of Başakşehir, traffic was also disrupted due to water puddles on İstiklal Street in Kayaşehir Neighborhood. A vehicle moving on the street fell into a sinkhole in the section covered with water. The vehicle was removed from where it was as a result of the intervention of road assistance teams with a rope. Traffic slowed down from time to time in both directions of the street due to the flooding.

CAST A FISHING LINE INTO THE FLOODED BOULEVARD

A remarkable incident occurred on Bahçeşehir Menderes Boulevard. A person who saw the water puddle formed by the accumulation of rainwater cast the fishing line they had in their hand into the water.

 

 

The image of the citizen acting as if they were trying to fish on the street became one of the extraordinary scenes that emerged after the heavy rainfall.

 

STATEMENT FROM THE ISTANBUL GOVERNOR'S OFFICE

The Istanbul Governor's Office also warned citizens to be cautious, stating that the rainfall in the city will continue in the form of downpours and thunderstorms. The statement noted the following:

 

"Heavy, and in some places very heavy, downpours and thunderstorms are expected until the morning hours on the European Side and until the noon hours on the Anatolian Side. One should be careful and cautious against negativities such as floods, water inundation, lightning, landslides, strong winds accompanying the rainfall, and disruptions in transportation along with severe and heavy rainfall".

 

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Deputy Mayor Nuri Aslan also stated that the IMM is in the field with 8,392 personnel and 2,246 vehicles and teams. Aslan called on Istanbulites, saying, "Do not go out on the roads with your vehicle, your private vehicle unless necessary, use public transport. Do not leave your home unless necessary."

News Source: 12punto