Heavy rains flood Istanbul streets, paralyze traffic

Flash floods have swept through large parts of Istanbul after an unexpected heavy rainstorm, disrupting transport and damaging infrastructure.

• Flash floods inundated main roads, subway stations, and historical markets in the city of 16 million people.
• Traffic came to a halt on major arteries linking Istanbul's European and Asian sides.
• Local authorities warned drivers to avoid low-lying roads and urged citizens to stay home unless necessary.
• No immediate casualties were reported; rescue and municipality teams are working to drain water and reopen roads.