Deadly floods hit Istanbul after 4 months’ worth of rain in 90 minutes, Turkey
Extremely heavy rain hit Istanbul and other cities in NW Turkey on August 17, 2019, causing severe flooding in which one person lost its life.
Streets and basements were flooded, drivers stranded and public transport disrupted after heavy rain hit Turkish city of Istanbul (population 15 million) on Saturday, August 17, 2019.
The rain started falling early in the day and increased around noon.
As much as 113 mm (4.44 inches) of rain fell on parts of the region in only 90 minutes. On average, Istanbul receives 24 mm (0.94 inches) of rain in July, 32 mm (1.25 inches) in August, 46 mm (1.81 inches) in September, 73 mm (2.87 inches) in October, 91 mm (3.58 inches) in November and 124 mm (4.88 inches) in December. June, July and August are usually the city's driest months
Flash floods were reported in lower parts and seafront areas of the city including major transport hubs such as Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Üsküdar, Karaköy, Kadıköy and Kabataş, the Daily Sabah reports.
Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest covered markets, was flooded and forced to evacuate.
One person was found dead under the Unkapanı Underpass near the Golden Horn in Fatih district. Reports said the man could be one of the homeless seeking shelter in the underpass, where floodwaters reached 190 cm (6.2 feet) in depth. It is not clear whether the man drowned during the flood or was unconscious or dead before the flood, DS said.
Ferry services were canceled at 13:00 local time, due to weather conditions and low visibility, and restored at 14:00.
Featured image credit: Severe Weather Turkey
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