Torrents of rain brought Istanbul to a standstill, inundating residential properties and roadways while claiming no fewer than two lives, as emergency crews labored overnight to extract hundreds of individuals trapped inside their workplaces across Turkey's most populous urban center.

The Wednesday night deluge overwhelmed houses and commercial establishments, submerged streets and underpasses, immobilized automobiles, and triggered widespread transit gridlock throughout the metropolis, with local passersby stepping in to assist numerous stranded residents.

Regional news outlets confirmed two fatalities: a 14-year-old youth died from electrocution upon stepping into a water puddle within a park in the Fatih area, whereas a 34-year-old individual slipped along a sidewalk in the Sariyer district, sustaining a fatal head injury.

Downpours persisted into Thursday morning.

According to the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, specific neighborhoods recorded their heaviest rainfall totals since 1985.

In response, the governor's office declared a suspension of school classes on Thursday and permitted select public sector staff to take leave.

Officials cautioned citizens to stay indoors unless journeying was indispensable while inhabitants of basement-level units were urged to relocate for the night.

Additionally, administrators imposed a temporary prohibition on motorcycle transit across roadways as response teams managed the severe weather crisis.

Source: AP