ISTANBUL – Heavy rainfall on Thursday wreaked havoc in Turkey’s biggest city Istanbul and the northwestern province of Bursa, causing flash floods and paralyzing traffic.
A fire erupted after lightning hit the roof of a five-story building in the Sancaktepe district on the Asian side of Istanbul. Firefighters were dispatched to the area while the incident caused panic among residents.
Meanwhile, a video aired by the Ihlas news agency showed a woman in the northwestern city of Bursa was rescued by a shop owner.
Cherry trees and strawberry fields in several districts of Bursa were damaged by a hail storm.
Weather forecasts said strong rainfall will continue throughout the day in Istanbul and Bursa.