Ekrem İmamoğlu speaks on snowfall in Istanbul: 'There are no blocked roads'

Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu stated regarding the snowfall affecting the city, "As of now, there are no blocked roads in Istanbul within our areas of responsibility or within the boundaries of other institutions. There is no transportation process hindered by snow. All roads are open," he said.

Making a statement at the IMM Disaster Coordination Center (AKOM), İmamoğlu thanked the Istanbul Governorship for the decision to close schools for tomorrow.

Stating that the IMM, its subsidiaries, and relevant public and private sector institutions are intervening in the process with a common mind at AKOM, İmamoğlu said, "We believe that with effective cooperation, our Istanbul will get through this snowy period in the mildest way possible."

Reminding that heavy snowfall is expected in Istanbul, İmamoğlu expressed that 20-40 centimeters of snowfall is expected north of the TEM highway over the weekend.

"THERE IS NO TRANSPORTATION PROCESS HINDERED BY SNOW"

Sharing the measures taken by the IMM for snow fighting, İmamoğlu provided the following information:

"Snow clearing and salting operations are continuing effectively. There is currently a density caused by vehicles leaving early due to the end of the workday starting early or decisions made by private or public institutions. This density has actually piled up more intensely at these hours, combined with the normal daily traffic starting earlier today. But as of now, there are no blocked roads in Istanbul within our areas of responsibility or within the boundaries of other institutions. There is no transportation process hindered by snow. All roads are open."

Stating that they are currently hosting 446 homeless citizens, 359 men and 87 women, in municipal facilities and contracted hotels, İmamoğlu said that feeding efforts for stray animals are being carried out together with animal lovers.

Expressing that certain services will be provided to citizens in terms of warmth, especially in areas reaching high passenger capacity, primarily in subways, İmamoğlu noted that they will strive to contribute to the comfort of the citizens.

Emphasizing that their greatest helpers in implementing the decisions taken are the citizens, İmamoğlu concluded his words as follows:

"No matter what we do, no matter what other public institutions and organizations do, the fundamental solution to the problem is, of course, our citizens acting sensitively, being careful about going out into traffic, not going out into traffic unless necessary, using public transportation, and the intense interest and participation they will show in this process with these efforts will allow the roads to be empty and provide an opportunity for our vehicles to take measures and work both safely and effectively. I am highly pleased that our citizens have been effectively accompanying us, especially over the last 5 years."

News Source: 12punto