AKIPRESS.COM – Heavy rains shut down Istanbul, flooded homes and roads and killed at least three people, with five more people reported missing. It was the heaviest rainfall in the city in 83 years, the Associated Press reported, citing the governor’s office.

The body of the third victim was discovered near Sadabat Park in Kağıthane district. The man’s identity has yet to be established, the Anadolu Agency reports.

2,727 people who had been cut off by the floodwaters were evacuated from the affected areas, Interior Minister Mustafa Çiftçi said. Rescue operations are carried out by the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Coast Guard, the Gendarmerie and municipal services, Akşam reported.

The severe rains also disrupted air travel. 43 planes, unable to land at Istanbul Airport, were diverted to other airports, the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure said.

Classes in schools have been canceled for Friday, October 16. Governor of Istanbul Davut Gül noted that the decision was made to ensure the safety of students, teachers and parents. School buildings are currently inspected for damage and electrical faults, Turkish Minute reports.

Turkish Minister of Justice Akın Gürlek said that investigations into the circumstances of the event have begun.

“All the circumstances will be identified, including potential negligence or violations, and the sequence of events will be established,” the Minister stated.

Heavy rainfall struck Istanbul on October 14, flooding roads, underpasses, homes and businesses. A 14-year-old teenager died in Fatih district after stepping into a puddle and suffering an electric shock. By the evening of October 14, emergency services had received 2,518 reports of flooding, landslides and people in need of assistance. A ban on the use of motorcycles and other two-wheeled vehicles was imposed in the city.