Flooding in Istanbul kills teenager and disrupts city

Heavy rain flooded homes, businesses, roads and underpasses across Istanbul from Tuesday evening into Wednesday, leaving vehicles stranded, disrupting traffic and prompting citywide school closures. The Istanbul Governor’s Office reported 1,277 flood incidents and 15 landslides, and said one 14-year-old boy died after an electric shock in floodwater. The boy was taken to hospital unconscious after stepping into a puddle in the Balat area of Fatih on Wednesday, October 14, the Governor’s Office said. It said he died despite rescue efforts and that an investigation had been opened. Surveillance footage verified by Al Jazeera showed him collapsing near a car park. Turkish media also reported that a 34-year-old man died after reportedly falling and hitting his head in Sarıyer. The supplied reports did not include comparable official confirmation of that death. The Governor’s Office said the flooding left 47 people stranded and affected 808 homes, 280 businesses and 76 vehicles. About 8,000 personnel and 2,000 vehicles and construction machines were deployed, according to the office. Authorities also recorded 13 fallen trees and two damaged roofs.