Istanbul begins flood compensation as damage affects 3,000 properties

Authorities in Istanbul have identified around 3,000 homes and businesses seriously damaged by recent flooding, and compensation payments are set to begin, Istanbul Governor Davut Gül said on Monday. Speaking to reporters in Ayazağa, in the Sarıyer district, one of the areas hardest hit, Gül said teams had been assessing damage across the city and providing financial assistance to affected residents and businesses.

Gül said authorities had received around 19,300 reports, ranging from leaking roofs to extensive damage to belongings in flooded basements. About 2,000 residents have suffered serious home damage, and payments have already begun. Earlier, TL 10,000 ($200) each was paid to 5,200 residents whose properties were less severely damaged, and 2,500 more are set to receive the same amount on Monday. Agricultural losses were estimated at approximately TL 60 million.

According to the governor's office, the death toll has risen to six after the body of a man who went missing during the disaster was found near the Ayvansaray Ferry Terminal. An initial examination identified the deceased as Haşim Ciritlioğlu. The flooding followed exceptionally heavy rainfall that battered Istanbul on Oct. 14.