Istanbul hit by heavy rainfall, flash floods

A heavy rainfall has been in effect in Istanbul in the early hours of July 18, paralyzing daily life and causing floods.

Millions of local in Istanbul struggled and waded to work on July 18 morning after early-morning thunderstorms boomed over the city, dumping torrents of rain and swamping transport networks.        

Istanbul's Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) warned of flood risk across the city.

Flash flooding saw main roads turned into rivers, with many soaked commuters forced to abandon submerged vehicles.        
         
Many underpasses, intersections and some metro and bus stops were put out of action, leaving thousands of pedestrians stranded, according to Anadolu Agency reporters around the city.        
         
Drenched commuters could be seen wringing out wet clothes or going barefoot after abandoning sodden footwear.    

Some metro stations were flooded as public transportation came to a near halt.

A metro line running from Ataturk International Airport on the city's European side was flooded, and similar scenes were recorded at the Avrasya (Eurasia) road tunnel, opened in December 2016.      

The city's tram service between the Bağcılar suburb to Kabataş on the banks of the Bosphorus was also suspended. 

Istanbul municipality announced that transportation on Eurasian Tunnel was temporarily suspended due to heavy rainfall.  

The Istanbul Governor's Office also urged to leave their vehicles at home where possible, to prevent further road problems.        

Many buildings and offices were flooded as swirling waters tore down trees and utility poles. A number of minor traffic accidents have been recorded so far, Anadolu Agency correspondents report.  
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