Downpour causes flash floods, havoc in Istanbul and historic Grand Bazaar

ISTANBUL (92 News) - Heavy rainfall caused flash floods in Istanbul on Saturday, disturbing sea and road traffic in the biggest city of Turkey and leaving everyday life of visitors devastated. Flash floods sparked by nearly two hours of heavy downpour hit buildings across the city, including shops and workplaces. Images posted on social media showed that the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the world, was badly affected. On video clips, shop owners were trying to evacuate their flooded markets. Vehicles were trapped on roads in several locations, and all ferry services on the Bosporus Strait connecting the Asian and European parts of the city were suspended. Shopkeepers and tourists took the flooding caused by heavy rain spell as shock. Many areas in the metropolis disappeared in the rainwater. Heavy rainfall was forecast throughout the day in the city.