Many Killed as Flash Floods Hit Turkey, Istanbul

Flood covered a main highway connection road in Istanbul, Turkey, 09 September 2009. West of Turkey is under effect of heavy rain storms and flood. At least 16 people have been killed in the flooding caused by heavy rains in north-west Turkey over the las

At least 16 people have been killed and a number of others are missing following flash floods in Turkey.

The bodies were recovered in and around Turkey's largest city of Istanbul in the north-west, Turkish media say.

TV pictures showed main roads near Istanbul's international airport submerged by deep water.

Cars were swept away and some drivers were trapped inside their vehicles. The flooding was caused by torrential rainfall - the worst in 80 years.

Police and military helicopters rescued people from rooftops in Istanbul and its suburbs. Boats were also deployed to move stranded people to safety.

Istanbul's Deputy Governor Hikmet Cakmak described the scene in the city's Ikitelli district as a "disaster", Turkish media report.

Roads, homes and farming land were submerged in nearby towns and at least two bridges collapsed.

 

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