Due to heavy rainfall affecting the northwest of the country, education has been suspended for one day on Thursday, October 15, 2026, in 6 provinces. In-person education will not be held in any public or private educational institutions in Istanbul, Kocaeli, Sakarya, Yalova, Düzce, and Zonguldak.
Governor's offices warned that the precipitation could lead to floods, inundation, lightning, landslides, strong winds, and disruptions in transportation. In Istanbul, in addition to the decision regarding education, further measures concerning transportation and public personnel were announced due to adverse weather conditions.
The Istanbul Governor's Office announced that the use of motorcycles and similar two-wheeled vehicles on traffic is prohibited throughout the province starting from 9:00 PM on Wednesday, October 14, until further notice. It was stated that the decision was taken to reduce the risks that heavy rainfall may create in traffic.
Istanbul Governor Davut Gül also called on citizens not to go out unless necessary and to avoid taking their private vehicles into traffic. Gül stated that people should not remain in basement floors or areas at risk of flooding, and should stay away from stream beds and flooded underpasses.
Personnel with disabilities, pregnant personnel, veterans, disabled veterans, and female personnel with children under the age of 8 working in public institutions and organizations in Istanbul will be considered on administrative leave. However, female personnel with children under the age of 8 working in health, security, and flood response units are excluded from this scope. Working mothers with disabled children under the age of 8 will be on administrative leave regardless of their professional group.
According to the latest warning from the Governor's Office, the rainfall in Istanbul is expected to continue as showers and thunderstorms. Strong and, in some places, very strong precipitation is forecast until the morning hours on the European Side and until the noon hours on the Anatolian Side. Authorities asked citizens to follow official announcements and to contact the 112 Emergency Call Center in case of emergencies.
News Source: 12punto
