VIDEO: Central stream in Istanbul floods, blocks traffic

ISTANBUL – Doğan News Agency

AA photo

The Kurbağalıdere stream, located in Istanbul’s Asian-side district of Kadıköy, flooded due to heavy rainfall on Sept. 12, blocking a number of roads to traffic and paralyzing daily life nearby.

The central neighborhoods and streets of Kadıköy, particularly the Hasanpaşa neighborhood and Metin Kerim Gökay Street, were blocked to traffic after the severe rainfall. Vehicles trapped in floods were rescued with the help of firefighters while locals tried to drain water from damaged houses and workshops. 



No casualties were reported as a result of the flood but the water caused considerable material damage.

The Kurbağalıdere stream has recently made headlines due to its foul odor, as it has been gradually polluted by sewage water and environmental waste. Pollution levels have reached such an alarming level that the stream has become covered in black bubbles.

After previous efforts to improve the condition of the stream were left unfinished, it has been announced that further works will take place in early 2016.