Istanbul endured its worst flooding in more than 80 years this week, with officials confirming four deaths by Friday amid record rainfall that inundated streets, homes and businesses across Turkey's largest city.

The death toll rose when rescuers found the body of a 66-year-old man under a bridge in the Sariyer district. Earlier fatalities included a 14-year-old boy electrocuted after stepping into a puddle in the Balat area and a 34-year-old who slipped and struck his head. A third victim was discovered near a park in Kagithane.

Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci described the event as the biggest flood disaster since 1942 during a visit to hard-hit Ayazaga. The city recorded more rain in 48 hours than the combined September and October averages, with some districts receiving over 270 millimeters in a short period.

Emergency services handled nearly 10,000 damage reports. Authorities deployed 46,000 personnel, evacuated thousands of residents and rescued over 3,000 people. Schools remained closed, dozens of flights were diverted or canceled, and landslides damaged roads and retaining walls.

Environment Minister Murat Kurum noted 48 landslides and hundreds of affected businesses and vehicles in one district alone. The government pledged assistance for property damage as assessments continued.

Rainfall boosted dam levels but left widespread debris and submerged vehicles. Officials urged caution as additional heavy rain was forecast through the weekend.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gül and local teams coordinated response efforts across the 16-million-resident metropolis. Cleanup operations are focused on restoring access and addressing safety hazards in flooded neighborhoods.