Floods kill at least 30 in Turkey

ANKARA, September 9 (RIA Novosti) - The death toll from flooding that has swept parts of Turkey rose to 30 on Wednesday, national media said, referring to rescuers.

Istanbul was hit hardest, with 14 people reported dead there as of noon local time (09:00 GMT).

Weathermen say Istanbul is seeing its worst weather for the last 80 years, and local papers have dubbed the heavy rains the Second Flood. More rain is expected.

Civil defense vehicles and helicopters are involved in a rescue operation in the city.

The flood also hit Bandirma, in the country's northwest. Seven women drowned in the town while trying to escape a stranded bus. The town is currently without electricity, and residents of an apartment block have been evacuated.

Turkey's NTV television said some 50 people were also missing.