Heavy rain takes over Istanbul

ISTANBUL - Doğan News Agency

DHA Photo

Heavy rains since the early hours of the day have brought Istanbul life to a halt as firefighters and paramedics joined forces to help the residents amid severe flooding.Flooding took over the roads in Istanbul with many vehicles getting stuck in water. A mother and her three children were stranded inside a truck for hours near the Fatih district before firefighters managed to pull the vehicle out of the water, finally reaching the family. Istanbul tunnels were blocked due to flooding, with drivers and bystanders pushing vehicles out of the tunnels to escape the water.Cities nationwide also got their share of the rainy weather, with Edirne and Manisa in particular witnessing waves of pouring rain.The rain is expected to last all through the weekend in Istanbul, and throughout the Marmara region. Officials have warned citizens to be prepared for possible flooding, lightning storms and strong winds.