Much-awaited heavy rain hits Istanbul

Photo by Bülent Ovacık

Heavy raining has hit Istanbul after the General Directorate of Meteorological Service issued a warning for citizens earlier on Aug. 7.

Arrivals and departures at Istanbul's Atatürk Airport have returned to normal after all flights were briefly canceled due to the severe weather conditions.

A private plane carrying Health Minister Mehmet Müzzinoğlu made an emergency landing in Çorlu Airport around 10 minutes after leaving Istanbul due to the rainy weather. The minister subsequently canceled a meeting in Çanakkale.

Black clouds hang over Istanbul as torrential rains hit townElectricity was cut in some districts of Istanbul due to breakdowns at distribution units in Bahçeşehir and Avcılar.

Precipitation is expected to last during the night.

The General Directorate of Meteorological Service has warned citizens about possible flooding across the country, especially in Istanbul, Kocaeli and Sakarya.

One killed in Ä°zmir flood

One person was killed in flood after a strong downpour hit the Aegean province of İzmir on Aug. 7. Ümit Özcan, 16, was reportedly dragged by a sudden flood of water on Boğaziçi Avenue in Konak district where he headed to help a driver who had an accident. Özcan drowned after becoming stuck under a car parked on the road.

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