As torrential rain and severe winds were predicted to hit various parts of Turkey throughout the week, the city of Izmir saw flooding and widespread disruptions in transportation on Monday.
The heavy downpour in Izmir hindered daily life, causing flooding in many districts. Many citizens were trapped in their vehicles as they headed to work early on Monday due to the floodwaters. Traffic congestion on roads crippled life in Izmir’s Seferihisar district in particular. The downpour did not affect air traffic as Izmır Adnan Menderes Airport officials said there were no delays or cancellations.
As the traffic came to a halt on roads, people opting for public transportation formed long lines at bus stops. Commuters using the Izmir Metro complained about congestion that caused
periodic obstructions in service. A section of a building belonging to the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department was also flooded due to rising waters from a nearby stream. The rise in the water level in Meles Stream also crippled communication as the power lines were damaged.
Izmir meteorology officials reported extremely heavy rainfall between 5:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. but said the rain was expected to let up in the city on Thursday. The Meteorology General Directorate has forecast heavy rainfall across Turkey, possibly causing flooding in some regions. A storm that broke in İstanbul late on Sunday caused ferry and sea bus runs to be canceled. High winds and rainfall continue to hamper everyday life, spelling hard times for commuters as well due to the traffic that appeared after the rainfall.
According to the directorate, the provinces of Antalya, Muğla, İzmir, Manisa, Balıkesir, Bursa, Çanakkale, Tekirdağ and Edirne will experience heavy rainfall during the week. High winds from the Southeast will turn into storms in the northern Aegean. According to the data released by the directorate the rain that began around 6:00 a.m. in Izmir is predicted to continue with increasing winds. The directorate issued warnings for the people of Izmir since the rainfall has caused deep puddles on roads in the province.
Source Zaman
