Istanbul Schools Closed as Heavy Rain Causes Flooding

The Istanbul governor’s office declared schools closed, placed some public sector workers on leave and urged people to stay at home after heavy rainfall caused floods across the city on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026.

Impact on Infrastructure and Traffic

Media reports said that the downpour flooded homes and businesses and inundated roads and underpasses, stranding vehicles and causing traffic chaos in the city of around 16 million people. Images showed several parked cars being swept by the floods in one neighborhood, while vehicles were stranded in a partially flooded highway.

Motorcycles were barred from traffic as a result of the conditions. Despite the disruption, there were no reports of any serious injuries.

Rescue Operations

In one district, bystanders rescued a woman who was being swept down a street by the floodwaters, footage obtained by NTV television showed. Firefighters rescued another person who was trapped inside a flooded basement, the report said.

Official Advisories

The governor’s office said that education would be suspended for a day on Thursday. State employees with disabilities and mothers with young children would be placed on leave. The office advised residents to stay home unless travel was absolutely necessary and for people living in basement apartments to spend the night elsewhere.

---

Sources

• thestar.com: Heavy rain and flooding in Istanbul forces closure of schools
• wral.com: Heavy rain and flooding in Istanbul forces closure of schools :: WRAL.com
• stamfordadvocate.com: Heavy rain and flooding in Istanbul forces closure of schools
• guardonline.com: Heavy rain and flooding in Istanbul forces closure of schools | World | guardonline.com

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.