Istanbul Governor: flood-damage compensation to begin today

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül said on 19 October 2026 that about 3,000 homes and workplaces were seriously damaged by floods, and that compensation payments would begin that day. He spoke in Ayazağa in Sarıyer, one of the hardest-hit areas.

In Şile, many homes and workplaces were flooded, but no lives were lost, he said. About 19,300 reports were received, and around 2,000 homes suffered serious damage. Agricultural losses were estimated at about 60 million lira.

Asked about a concert at the Istanbul Congress Center where two people died, Gül said the deaths were not related to the event. Forensic reports found that three attendees had used various drugs, and the legal process continues.