Heavy rain and flooding in Istanbul forces closure of schools

Heavy rain flooded roads, underpasses, homes and businesses across Istanbul on Wednesday, stranding vehicles and causing major traffic disruption. The governor’s office suspended in-person education at public and private institutions for Thursday, October 15, and restricted motorcycles from the roads. Some public employees, including people with disabilities and mothers of young children, were granted administrative leave. Authorities urged residents to stay home unless travel was essential and advised people in basement apartments to spend the night elsewhere. No serious injuries were reported