Heavy rain and flooding in Istanbul forces closure of schools
The Istanbul governor’s office has declared schools closed and placed some public sector workers on leave after heavy rainfalls caused flooding across the city. The downpour on Wednesday flooded homes and businesses and inundated roads and underpasses. Vehicles were stranded and there was traffic chaos. There have been no reports of any serious injuries. Bystanders rescued a woman swept down a street by floodwaters in one district. Firefighters rescued another person trapped inside a flooded basement. The governor’s office advised residents to stay home unless travel was absolutely necessary. Motorcycles have been barred from traffic.
