Record rain floods Istanbul: three people are dead and several missing, officials say, and more rain is forecast

The Istanbul Governor’s Office says Beykoz, on the Asian side of the Bosporus, measured 261 kilograms of water per square meter — that is 261 millimeters, about 10 inches — and many other districts got nearly as much. It calls that the highest total recorded in Istanbul since the national weather service began measuring in 1942. Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said totals reached 272 millimeters in places.

People. The governor’s office said the death toll had risen to three and four people were missing. A man’s body was found beside Sadabat Park in Kağıthane, and he had not yet been identified. In remarks the same day, Governor Gül said missing-person reports had been filed for five people and searches were continuing. He said seven people had been treated and sent home, and no one remained in the hospital.

Rescues. The office said 2,722 people were rescued using boats and other vehicles, and small rescue operations were still going at 14 sites. Governor Gül later put the number rescued at 3,050 and said no one was still waiting to be rescued. About 46,600 people are working the disaster, including about 8,600 search-and-rescue staff. People who needed shelter in 39 districts were moved to safe places, and the Turkish Red Crescent fed them.

Disruption. At Istanbul Airport, 51 flights were diverted and 19 canceled. Sixteen roads were closed, none of them main highways. In-person classes at all public and private schools are suspended Friday, Oct. 16; inspectors are checking school buildings through the weekend with the aim of reopening Monday. Universities decide for themselves.

Wider reach. The interior minister said Turkey’s weather service had issued yellow warnings for 42 provinces and orange warnings for six for Oct. 14 and 15, and that the heaviest rain hit the Marmara region around Istanbul.

What comes next. Governor Gül said the rain would continue for three more days and asked people to stay away from damaged buildings and risky areas, and to call 112, the emergency number, if they need help. Teams have started counting the damage; the governor’s office aims to finish by Monday and then say how losses will be covered.