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Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas visited the Ayazaga neighborhood in Sariyer, Istanbul, where heavy rain on October 14 triggered flooding and waterlogging, inspecting the crisis center and receiving a briefing at a mobile unit of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

Speaking to reporters, Goktas said there were still missing people, that lives had been lost, and that the ministry had 212 personnel and 39 vehicles working continuously in the field, providing psychosocial support to households in need.

Coordination continues through the night

Goktaş said all institutions are continuing to work in coordination and expressed gratitude to colleagues carrying out the response day and night. After making her statement, she spoke with residents affected by the flood.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, AFAD President Ali Hamza Pehlivan and Zero Waste Foundation President Samed Agirbas also took part in the inspection.

Key takeaways

• Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas inspected flood-hit Ayazaga in Sariyer, Istanbul, after heavy rain on October 14.
• Goktas said lives were lost and people are still missing, with search efforts continuing under the governor's coordination.
• The ministry released 200 million lira the previous day, 40 million lira for Kocaeli, Sakarya and Antalya on the day of the visit, and 2 million lira for two districts after a request from Yalova.
• Some 212 personnel and 39 vehicles are providing psychosocial support in Istanbul, with affected residents placed in hotels on request.