Istanbul floods: Six missing as rescue teams bring over 3,000 people to safety

Six people are still missing after severe flooding hit northwestern Türkiye, while rescue teams in Istanbul have moved 3,055 stranded residents to safety, according to Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci. Five of the missing are being sought in Istanbul and one in the neighboring province of Kocaeli, with search and rescue operations continuing without pause.

Across the provinces affected by the heavy rainfall, authorities have received 12,372 emergency reports, of which 9,755 came from Istanbul. Emergency teams have so far responded to 7,456 verified incidents.

In Istanbul, evacuations in the heavily affected Ayazaga neighborhood have been completed, and residents needing temporary accommodation have been housed in government guesthouses. The minister stated that 46,597 personnel have been deployed in Istanbul, as part of a nationwide response involving more than 58,000 personnel. Türkiye’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) has also mobilized 1,000 volunteers. Operations are being coordinated by provincial governors and AFAD, with a focus on Istanbul, Kocaeli and Sakarya.

In the Feyziye neighborhood of Sapanca district, Sakarya, a building located near a stream collapsed after it had been evacuated as a precautionary measure. No casualties were reported. Flooding also affected homes and businesses in the Daricayiri neighborhood of Karasu district in Sakarya, while in Istanbul, houses and roads were damaged in the Riva area of Beykoz on October 15, 2026.

Authorities have called on residents to stay away from streambeds, avoid walking or driving through flooded areas, and keep clear of damaged electrical lines that may be in contact with water. Residents were also warned not to enter flood-damaged buildings or return to evacuated homes until officials declare them safe. Further advice included using battery-powered flashlights, drinking bottled water where water safety is uncertain, and giving particular attention to children, older people and people with disabilities.

According to Ciftci, emergency teams will remain on round-the-clock alert as coordination continues in provinces under yellow and orange weather warnings, which signal potentially dangerous and severe weather. Field operations in Istanbul were set to continue the following day.