Istanbul: At least three people were killed and five remained missing after rainfall caused flooding across Istanbul, with authorities reporting the highest precipitation levels recorded in the city in more than 80 years.

Rain began falling across Türkiye's largest city on Wednesday morning and intensified throughout the day, flooding roads, damaging properties and disrupting transport services.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul said the city had recorded its highest rainfall since records began in 1942. Authorities confirmed that a man's body was recovered near a park in the Kagithane district on Istanbul's European side, bringing the reported death toll to three.

Among the victims was a 14 year old boy who died after coming into contact with electricity while stepping into floodwater in the Balat district. He was taken to hospital but could not be saved.

Five people were also reported missing as emergency teams continued search and rescue operations. In the Beykoz district on Istanbul's Asian side, DHA news agency reported that a man had died after falling into a well while attempting to drain water at a school construction site. Authorities had not independently confirmed the reported death.

Municipal workers and firefighters continued clearing mud and pumping water from schools, football grounds, garages and residential areas on Thursday. The governor announced that schools across Istanbul would remain closed until Monday and advised residents to avoid travel unless necessary.

People living in basement properties were also advised to move to higher floors because of the risk of flooding.

Videos circulating on social media showed vehicles being swept away by floodwaters in the Sariyer district, while rescue workers helped residents escape from flooded buildings. Other footage showed people being evacuated using construction equipment as water levels rose.

Flooding also caused electricity and water supply disruptions in parts of the city, including Sariyer, where shopkeepers attempted to recover goods from affected premises. The rainfall affected neighbouring provinces as well.

In Sakarya province, a two storey house collapsed near a stream in the Sapanca area. Authorities said the building had been evacuated before the collapse, and no casualties were reported.

In Kocaeli province, a driver was swept away by floodwaters in Gebze district before emergency workers rescued him using ropes. Another man was reported missing in Basiskele district after being carried away by floodwaters.

Air travel was also disrupted, with the transport ministry reporting that 43 flights bound for Istanbul Airport and three flights heading to Sabiha Gokcen Airport were diverted on Wednesday. Sabiha Gokcen Airport temporarily suspended departures because of wind conditions.

Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, AFAD, established a crisis desk to coordinate emergency operations. By Wednesday evening, the agency had recorded 1277 flooding incidents, 15 landslides, 47 people stranded and damage to two roofs.

Authorities continued rescue, drainage and cleanup operations across the affected areas as forecasts indicated that rainfall could continue over the weekend.