Snow alarm in Istanbul! Authorities warn not to go out
IMM (IBB) President Ekrem Imamoğlu explained the measures taken regarding the snowfall in Istanbul. Istanbul Governor Ali Yerlikaya, on the other hand, announced on his social media account that motorcycles, electric scooters and motor couriers would not be allowed to enter the traffic starting from 18.00. Yerlikaya also warned citizens not to go out unless mandatory from 17.00.
In a press conference that started at Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM) in Istanbul, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) President Ekrem Imamoğlu, shared information about the measures taken against the snowfall and storm.
Drawing attention to the fact that there were seasonal shifts due to global climate change, Imamoğlu said the following: “Unfortunately, we know that weather conditions, apart from normal snowfall and normal rainfall, sudden movements affect our geographies, our society and life a lot. These are the situations that climate change is putting us through.”
“We know that if we share all of our responsibilities with our public institutions and organizations and with our society in cooperation, it will be a facilitator. At the same time, everyone who contributes at every point of our Istanbul, especially the areas related to transportation, from highways to the Northern Marmara Highway, from Istanbul Airport to other institutions, there is a representative of every institution. Therefore, we act with common sense. We talk, think and decipher solutions together.”
“COLD AIR ENTERED FROM THE NORTH”
“There are quite a lot of points where it will turn into snow in the coming hours. Today, especially starting in the afternoon, the storm that will continue throughout the night is the most important issue. The forecast in the meteorological report given by my friends is a very strong storm that will blow at a speed of 60 to 90 kilometers per hour.
Of course, a heavy snowfall is also expected with this storm. The effect of the cold air wave described as ‘of Siberian origin’ will increase with the storm. Even zero degrees are predicted to be felt as low as -5, -6, -7.”
“IT WILL LAST UNTIL THURSDAY”
Imamoğlu said, “Our people should be very careful in such harsh weather conditions. They should plan trips accordingly: We are sharing an important warning not to go outside as much as possible and even to use public transportation if possible, even in case of necessity of a trip.”
Imamoğlu reiterated that Meteorology warned that Istanbul will see an effective rainfall wave until Thursday and said, “There is no statement about schools or public employees from our governorship. If such a measure is taken within this time frame, we will share it with our citizens again.”
“OUR TEAMS WILL BE READY AT 598 INTERVENTION POINTS”
Imamoğlu, who also shared info about IMM’s snow-fighting efforts and the measures they had takento the public, said following: “We are working intensively in Istanbul. The number of our personnel on duty is 9 thousand 649. With such a crowded team, we will be on duty at every corner of Istanbul, with different job descriptions. Our teams will fight against snow together with the vehicles we have newly put into service, especially the smart system.
“BEWARE OF ROOF FLYING AND TREE TOPPLING”
”The important thing in the struggle of Istanbul with snow is the support of our citizens”Imamoğlu said, using the following statements: “Certainly in such environments, especially in this environment where the storm is predicted to be intense, of course, some roof flying or tree toppling may be possible. Let’s be sensitive to these issues.
I am warning all institutions, organizations and companies about the measures that should be taken, especially in private buildings, which may be construction sites, at various points in Istanbul. They should definitely take their precautions. They should definitely be prepared against such a hard storm in their own fields, in their fields.
