Floods hit western Türkiye

Severe rainfall has caused flash floods across western Türkiye, leaving one man missing in İzmir’s coastal town of Foça, while authorities issued storm warnings for Istanbul.

According to local officials, a 70-year-old man was swept away by floodwaters in Foça after his car was caught in rising water.

Rescue teams from the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD), the gendarmerie and local fire departments have been searching for him since October 23.

The İzmir governor said the man’s vehicle was located about 1.5 km from where it was last seen.

AFAD said more than 200 emergency calls were received in the area as torrential rain caused rivers to overflow.

Flooding and landslides were also reported in the provinces of Antalya, Çanakkale and Aydın, where streets turned into rivers and homes and businesses were inundated.

In Gökçeada, a small island district of the northwestern city of Çanakkale, heavy rain triggered five separate landslides and flooded several buildings.

Meanwhile, as severe weather continues to move north, the Turkish State Meteorological Service warned that thunderstorms and heavy rain will reach Istanbul, particularly around the Bosphorus.

Authorities cautioned residents against possible flash floods, lightning and strong winds overnight.