The Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul, Turkey, issued an important and urgent alert to all Saudi citizens in the city, whether residents or tourists, urging them to exercise extreme caution. This warning comes in response to weather reports and alerts issued by the Istanbul Governorate and relevant Turkish authorities, indicating the approach of a strong windstorm expected to hit the city tomorrow, Monday, February 2nd.
The consulate explained via its official account that weather forecasts indicate strong winds that may affect various parts of the province, necessitating precautionary measures to ensure public safety. The diplomatic mission noted that these turbulent weather conditions may have significant side effects, most notably the potential disruption of public and private transportation, which is common in such weather conditions in a sprawling coastal city like Istanbul.
The importance of adhering to safety instructions
In a related context, the consulate stressed the importance of Saudi citizens adhering to the instructions and guidelines issued by the Turkish local authorities and closely monitoring official weather forecasts. This swift action by the consulate reflects the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its diplomatic missions abroad's commitment to the safety of citizens and protecting them from any potential risks arising from natural disasters or severe weather conditions.
Safety experts advise avoiding large trees, billboards, and buildings under construction in such weather conditions, as these can be blown away by strong winds. They also recommend securing belongings on balconies and rooftops and minimizing unnecessary vehicle travel during the peak of the storm to prevent traffic accidents.
The impact of storms on life in Istanbul
These warnings are particularly important given Istanbul's geographical nature, as it is divided by the Bosphorus Strait. Strong winds and storms often disrupt maritime traffic, including ferries transporting passengers between the European and Asian sides, and can also affect air traffic at Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Therefore, advance warnings help citizens reschedule their plans and travel arrangements to avoid any disruptions caused by transportation shutdowns.
The consulate confirms that it is closely monitoring the situation and is fully prepared to provide assistance to citizens in emergency situations, urging everyone to keep the consulate's emergency numbers for communication when needed.
