Severe flooding in Istanbul has killed four people and caused widespread damage, with Turkey's interior minister describing it as the city's worst flood disaster in more than 80 years.

Istanbul, home to 16 million people, received more rainfall in the 48 hours leading up to Thursday morning than the combined historical average for September and October, state-run media said.

“We are trying our best to help our citizens, but we are also experiencing the biggest flood disaster since 1942,” Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said Friday.  

The body of a 66-year-old man was recovered Friday from beneath a bridge in Istanbul's Sariyer district. Three other deaths had been reported earlier, including a teenager who was electrocuted during the storm.

Floodwater inundated homes, businesses, streets and parks, while vehicles were swept away and piled up at the bottom of hills.

Before the body was discovered, Ciftci said four people were still missing in Sariyer's Ayazaga neighbourhood.

He reported 9,850 complaints concerning flood damage and related problems, adding that 46,000 personnel were working to clear debris and assist residents.

The meteorological authority warned of heavy rainfall in Istanbul and four neighbouring provinces over the weekend.

Environment Minister Murat Kurum, who accompanied Ciftci, said addressing risks linked to urban development near waterways was essential. He also linked the disaster to climate change, saying combating it was a necessity. Kurum will chair COP31 in Antalya next month.