Torrential rainfall on 19 July caused flash flooding in Istanbul. The flash flooding comes just weeks after parts of the city suffereed in similar circumstances in early June this year.
On local newspaper described the scene as a “war zone”. Daily life, especially for commuters, was brought to a standstill. Roads were made impassable, traffic tunnels blocked and drivers of stranded vehicles had to be rescued. The worst hit areas were the Okmeydanı, Levent, Başakşehir, Arnavutköy and Sultangazi districts.
Reservoir Levels at 10 Year Low
Despite the torrential rain, Istanbul still faces a water shortage as reservoir levels stand at a 10 year low. Currently capacity is at around 20%, compared with this time last year of around 75%.
