This is the moment a huge brooding tornado twists its way across an Istanbul suburb during a period of storms and heavy rainfall that killed one Syrian refugee.
Flash floods and high waves have reportedly battered different areas in the north-western Turkish city of Istanbul, including the districts of Maltepe and Yenikapi on opposing continents.
Istanbul’s commercial and historical centre lies on the European side and about a third of its population lives in suburbs on the Asian side.
The storms paralysed roads and transport connections on 23rd June and many homes and vehicles were badly damaged.
According to reports, pedestrians were caught in the strong downpours of hail and rain and had to seek shelter at bus stops or under shop awnings.
Istanbul governor Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that a Syrian refugee fell victim to flooding.
Meanwhile, a twister was filmed in the district of Catalca where Buyukcekmece Lake is located.
In the footage, viewed 710,000 times on Twitter, a large twister is seen in the distance apparently over a lake which would make the columnar vortex a waterspout.
Tornado caught on camera in Turkey 
Tornado caught on camera in Turkey
A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air that is in contact with the Earth’s surface and differs from waterspouts which take place over a large body of water.
The video was accompanied with the message: “Buyukcekmece Lake. Catalca side…”
According to reports, more severe weather is expected in the region in the coming days.
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Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub-Editor: Michael Leidig, Agency: Newsflash
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