Severe Rainfall and Flood Disaster in Istanbul: Causes of Record Precipitation
Heavy rainfall that hit Istanbul on October 14 reached record levels in Beykoz, while experts emphasize the role of climate change and warm seas.
The heavy rainfall that gripped Istanbul on October 14 resulted in the loss of four lives and caused widespread flooding across the city.
Record Rainfall and Its Impacts
Concentrated in the northern part of Istanbul, the heavy downpours led to thousands of emergency calls and numerous floods, negatively affecting daily life.
Precipitation Amount in Beykoz
According to initial data from the Turkish State Meteorological Service, 244 millimeters of rain fell in Beykoz in a single day, surpassing records from previous years.
Meteorological Factors
The meeting of cold air masses coming from the Balkans with the warm waters of the Black Sea played a decisive role in the formation of intense precipitation clouds.
Impact of Climate Change
Experts point out that due to global warming, the atmosphere can hold more water vapor and sea surface temperatures in the Black Sea have increased.
Urbanization and Infrastructure Issues
The covering of stream beds and the increase in concreting in Istanbul prevented rainwater from seeping into the soil, thereby increasing the scale of the disaster.