Heavy rains sent flash floods streaming across a major highway and into business districts in Turkey's largest city, drowning at least 24 people. Seven were killed in Tekirdag province.

Turkey is witnessing the heaviest rains in at least 80 years. 24 lives had been lost in Istanbul and seven have been killed west of the city in Tekirdag province. Flood waters caught many by surprise, including 10 truck drivers who were killed while they were asleep at a parking lot in the city.

Besir Atalay, Turkish Interior Minister, said, "24 lives have been lost in Istanbul and there are seven lost in Tekirdag. That is the only information we have to hand out right now. May the dead rest in peace. We convey our condolences to the families and to our nation."

About 13.2 centimeters of rain has fallen onto the area.

Waters reached 2 meters in some places, flooding hundreds of homes and offices. Flood waters also cut off a major highway, which connects central Istanbul to the city's main airport and the borders with Greece and Bulgaria.

The surging water has overturned trucks, cars and buses, leaving debris scattered on the roads.

More rain is forecast for northwestern Turkey for the rest of the week. Authorities have also warned against flooding in several other cities.