Heavy Snow Paralyzes Life İn Southern Provinces

Heavy snowfall in the country's southern provinces is causing difficult driving conditions, and many roads have had to be closed due to ice.



Ninety-three village roads in the provinces of Van, Bitlis and Muş were closed due to heavy snowfall on Tuesday. According to a statement issued by the Van Special Provincial Administration, municipal workers are endeavoring to keep routes to outlying villages open.



A forecast by the General Directorate of Meteorology predicts that snow will reach a depth of 85 centimeters in Bitlis. It has also issued an ice and frost warning for the city that will remain in effect for the coming days. Residents are asked to exercise particular caution when out at night.



Snow has already reached a depth of 7 centimeters in Erzurum and has caused problems for those trying to reach hospitals. Over the past two days, emergency services workers have had to assist 21 patients in getting to hospitals. The municipality is using salt on the roads in an attempt to keep them open.



Five high-voltage power lines along the Hakkari-Çukurca highway were knocked down in a snow storm in Hakkari on Friday, causing power cuts in many villages. Despite the heavy snow, municipal workers were able to set up 80 medium-voltage power lines in the area to compensate.



Snowfall continues on the D100 highway, with a cold front expected to move through the Bolu Mountain area. In addition, heavy fog around Bolu Mountain is making it difficult for drivers to traverse the pass. Traffic police are calling on drivers in the area to ensure their vehicles are equipped with ropes and chocks that can be used in case of accidents.



Meanwhile, snow on Bursa's Mount Uludağ, home to one of the most popular ski resorts in the country, had reached a depth of 60 centimeters as of Tuesday. Meteorologists have warned those traveling on the mountain roads to take precautions, including the use of snow tires or chains, as heavy snowfall is likely to continue in the area for another three days.



(Cihan/Today's Zaman)