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Istanbul Hit by Heaviest Rainfall in Eight Decades
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Istanbul was hit by exceptionally heavy rainfall on 14 and 15 October 2026, causing severe flooding, flash floods and major disruptions to daily life. Record rainfall levels were recorded in some parts of the city, flooding numerous roads, underpasses, residential buildings and commercial properties. According to Turkish authorities, more than 46,000 people took part in rescue operations, while more than 2,700 residents were rescued from flooded areas.
According to a statement issued by the Istanbul Governor’s Office, as much as 261 litres of rain per square metre fell in the Beykoz district, marking the highest rainfall recorded in the city since 1942, when the Turkish General Directorate of Meteorology began taking measurements. Similar levels of precipitation were recorded in other parts of the city.
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The flooding was caused by exceptionally intense rainfall that intensified on 14 October and continued into the following day. An enormous amount of rain fell within a relatively short period, overwhelming drainage systems that could not channel the water away quickly enough.
Water flowed towards lower-lying areas of the city, inundating streets, basements, underpasses and roads. In some locations, powerful torrents swept away cars. Landslides were also reported as a result of waterlogged soil.
According to meteorological experts cited by Turkish public broadcaster TRT, the extreme rainfall resulted from a combination of several meteorological factors, including cold air moving in from the Balkans, relatively high Black Sea temperatures and moist air carried inland by winds from the sea.
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The northern parts of Istanbul were particularly hard hit. Heavy rainfall also caused localised flooding in other districts, although the impacts varied across the city.
A total of 2,722 people were rescued across the city, with boats and other vehicles used in the operations.
The heavy rainfall also caused serious transport disruptions. At Istanbul Airport, 51 flights were diverted to alternative airports, while 19 flights were cancelled, including seven arrivals and 12 departures.
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