site.btaTransportation Disrupted as Heavy Rain Floods Istanbul's Asian Side

Heavy rain fell in Istanbul on Monday morning, causing significant disruption as the week began. The downpour mainly impacted the Asian side of the city, bringing thunder and torrential rain to the boroughs of Kartal and Pendik, which are home to over one million residents, local media reported. Many boulevards and streets were flooded.

The flooding caused widespread disruption to both public transport and private vehicular traffic. Many commuters were unable to reach their workplaces on time and were left waiting at bus stops. Long queues of cars formed on the roads, and the first bridge over the Bosphorus became heavily congested, delaying metrobus services despite their dedicated lane.

In response, municipal authorities deployed drainage teams and traffic police to help manage the congestion and clear the affected areas.

No injuries or significant material damage have been reported so far.

Istanbul's meteorological service has issued a warning for heavy rainfall throughout the day in the European boroughs of Istanbul, advising of a continued risk of flooding.