Two people have died in Istanbul after torrential rain triggered widespread flash flooding, inundating homes, businesses and major roads across Türkiye’s largest city.

Rainfall reached nearly 200 kilograms per square meter, according to Xinhua.

Istanbul Governor’s Office reported that a 14-year-old boy was electrocuted after stepping into a puddle in the Balat neighborhood of the Fatih district. In a separate incident, a 34-year-old pedestrian died after slipping in floodwaters while crossing a street in Sariyer.

The downpour began on October 14 morning and intensified in the evening, hitting the city’s European side particularly hard and causing major transport disruptions.

Preliminary figures from the governor’s office showed nearly 1,300 flooding incidents across Istanbul. Floodwaters entered more than 800 homes and 280 businesses, while emergency teams responded to 47 incidents involving people stranded by rising water.

Major roads were submerged and vehicles left underwater. Rescue crews used excavators to help commuters trapped by the floods, while traffic congestion approached 100%, leaving many residents stranded for hours.

Heavy rain and strong winds also disrupted operations at Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gokcen International Airport. Several incoming flights reportedly aborted their landings and diverted to other airports.

Authorities banned motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles from city roads from October 14 evening until further notice.

With heavy rain expected to continue through October 15, officials suspended classes across Istanbul and urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel.