Turkey now! Istanbul under water! Houses are floating on the streets! People are hiding!

Istanbul, a metropolis of 15 million people, and several other Turkish provinces have been hit by a powerful storm, flood, with gusty winds , banning motorcycles and electric scooters from the roads and suspending classes in various locations due to safety concerns. Two people have been killed in Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul, as a result of massive flooding. Four more people are considered missing. This was reported by the head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkey Ali Yerlikaya. The flooding was caused by heavy rains, which led to flooding of streets and houses in two districts of Istanbul. The flooding left 12 people stranded in a bungalow hotel neighborhood in the Şişli Valley, near the border with Bulgaria and Greece. Turkey’s interior minister indicated that search and rescue teams had rescued 6 people, but there were also fatalities. “Unfortunately, 2 bodies have been found. Search and rescue efforts for the missing 4 people are continuing uninterrupted,“ Yerlikaya said. Many vehicles are reportedly stranded on the roads in flooded areas of the city. In addition, several subway stations have been temporarily halted for safety reasons. Local residents are actively distributing videos on social networks, which show that some streets are completely flooded. Footage posted by locals on social media showed heavy rains flooding the streets, making it difficult to use public transport. 3 Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya told reporters that a total of 1,220 homes, workplaces and residential units were affected by severe flooding in five different districts of Istanbul. Türkiye is no stranger to floods. In March, the provinces of Sanliurfa and Adiyaman experienced a series of devastating floods that killed 21 people. Flooding hit neighboring Bulgaria and Greece, with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis blaming climate change for the torrential floods. The storm came weeks after summer wildfires devastated parts of Greece and Turkey. One eventful night, Istanbul, Turkey, was hit by a powerful storm that brought chaos and destruction to the beloved city. The tempestuous weather included roaring winds, torrential rain, and thunder, leaving behind a landscape marked by devastation. The unexpected storm caught residents and authorities off-guard, leading to a surge in emergency calls as the situation spiraled out of control. Streets turned into waterways, homes were flooded, and majestic trees were uprooted, adding to the disorder. The usually admired beauty of the Bosphorus Strait transformed into a scene of turmoil, with massive waves crashing against the shores, posing a threat to maritime vessels navigating the perilous waters. The impact on critical infrastructure was undeniable, as power lines succumbed to the forces of nature, causing widespread darkness and chaos in many neighborhoods. Public transportation systems faced significant disruptions, leaving commuters stranded and worsening the already chaotic situation. Istanbul’s historic landmarks, representing its rich cultural heritage, bore the brunt of the storm’s fury, with some experiencing structural damages that raised concerns about preserving the city’s precious legacy. Social media played a crucial role in disseminating real-time updates and safety information, but the gravity of the situation required a swift response from the Turkish government. Relief and emergency services worked tirelessly to assist affected communities and restore order amid the turmoil. As the sun rose over Istanbul, the full extent of the storm’s devastation became apparent. Thousands of households were left displaced, coping with the loss of belongings and, tragically, some mourned the loss of loved ones. Despite the challenges, the resilience of the people shone through, as neighbors offered help and support, exemplifying unity and compassion. Recovery will undoubtedly be a long and challenging process. Authorities will face the task of rebuilding damaged infrastructure and providing aid to the most vulnerable. Nevertheless, Istanbul’s indomitable spirit endures, as its citizens unite to overcome adversity and rebuild their cherished city. The storm caused chaos on the roads, with many vehicles left stranded and unable to move. Large hailstones shattered car windows and caused significant damage to the bodywork. Some residents were forced to take shelter under bridges and overpasses to avoid the hailstones. While avenues and streets were flooded after a heavy downpour that started in the morning on the Anatolian side, a car got stuck while driving through an underpass.