On Tuesday, a devastating series of flash floods wreaked havoc across Turkey, Greece, and Bulgaria, claiming the lives of at least nine individuals. The bustling city of Istanbul was particularly hard-hit, with two unfortunate casualties as its streets transformed into tumultuous, fast-flowing rivers.
Amidst the chaos, around a dozen people were fortunate enough to be rescued from a dire situation when they found themselves stranded inside a library. The catastrophic flooding also led to the temporary closure of several subway stations, further complicating transportation in the city.
In response to the crisis, Istanbul’s governor, Davut Gul, issued a crucial plea, urging motorcyclists to remain at home to ensure their safety and minimize risks on the treacherous roads.
However, the impact of these flash floods extended beyond Istanbul’s borders. In other parts of Turkey, specifically in the Kirklareli province near the Bulgarian border, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya reported that four individuals were still missing following the flash flood’s devastating sweep over a campsite. This tragedy underscores the widespread and far-reaching consequences of the natural disaster that struck not only Turkey but also neighboring Greece and Bulgaria on that fateful Tuesday.