At least 30 people have been killed following heavy rains and severe flooding in Turkey.
The biggest loss of life occurred in the capital Istanbul, where a total of 23 people have died.
At a news conference, Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler confirmed that 20 people died in several hours of flash flooding this morning. Three fatalities were reported yesterday.
Eight others are still missing.
Interior Minister, Besir Atalay has said the death toll could rise as waters continue to recede.
The worst flooding occurred in low-lying areas in the west of the city, on the European side, where drainage is often poor.
Yesterday, seven women drowned in flooding in the province of Tekirdag, to the west of Istanbul. They were passengers in a minibus which became submerged by rising floodwaters.
Environment Minister Veysel Eroglu described the rains pounding the region as 'the worst seen in 500 years'.
Rescue workers in the capital have put out planks and ladders to help car and truck drivers stranded by the fast-rising waters.
Torrential rains have also caused heavy damage to houses and infrastructure.
In northwest Turkey, two bridges have been demolished on the Bahcekoy-Saray highway.
An insurance company in Turkey said damage from the floods could total up to $80m.
