A heavy rainfall has hit the city of Istanbul on Tuesday, flooding the streets and making public transportation difficult. Officials and AFP correspondents reported that the sudden heavy rain started pouring and forced the people to abandon their cars and run for shelter. Tram lines were also suspended throughout the city.

In Uskudar, a district on the Asian side of Istanbul, the rough waters of the Bosphorus overflowed leaving roads and squares covered.

Several boats belonging to the city’s shipping authority had to be nailed down to the port because of rain and strong winds of up to 80 kilometers per hour (50 miles per hour).

The municipality along with the governor are taking necessary steps to tackle the situation. They have also requested the people of the affected areas not to use their cars until if not extremely necessary.

Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said it was a “disaster”, adding: “In a short period, an unusual amount of rain fell” for the time of year.

“But the mayor and the governor are cooperating to deal with the situation in the best way,” Yildirim said.