Istanbul floods claim lives, leave missing as rescue and aid efforts continue

Heavy rains earlier this week produced flash floods around Istanbul and the neighbouring province of Kocaeli. The floods have resulted in multiple fatalities and at least one person remains missing. Rescue crews continue to search affected districts and to pump water from inundated areas. Authorities have begun distributing financial assistance to households that suffered damage, and the governor said further payments will be made. Damage to homes and businesses has been reported across the region.