Severe Flooding In Istanbul

Photos and video showed the fury of the elements.

Severe flooding has killed two people in Turkey's largest city, Istanbul. Four other people are missing.

Ali Yerlikaya, the head of Turkey's Interior Ministry, said. The floods were caused by heavy rains, which flooded streets and houses in two districts of Istanbul.

The floods left 12 people stranded in a bungalow hotel area in the Şişli valley, near the borders with Bulgaria and Greece. Turkey's interior minister said search and rescue teams had saved 6 people, but there had been deaths.

"Unfortunately, two bodies were found. Search and rescue efforts are continuing for the four missing people," Yerlikaya said.

Many vehicles are reported to be stranded on the roads in flooded areas of the city. Several metro stations have also been temporarily closed for safety reasons. Locals are actively sharing videos on social networks showing some streets completely flooded.

According to the BBC, Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said that about 125 kilograms of rain per square metre had fallen. He also noted that those living in homes affected by flooding or at risk of flooding will be housed in public facilities.

Hospitals continue to receive flood victims.

Two workers were injured in a lightning strike at the Istanbul airport car park and taken to hospital. The Halkali customs office was also flooded. Sixty-eight people trapped in the water were rescued overnight. Flooding was also reported in other areas.

The Turkish Disaster Management Agency (AFAD) is forecasting further rainfall in western and south-western Turkey, warning of the risk of sudden flooding, lightning and strong winds.