5 killed as powerful storm hits Turkey’s Marmara region: Health minister

ANKARA

At least five people died in disaster events caused by a fierce storm that hit Turkey’s Marmara region, the country’s health minister said early Wednesday.

Another 63 people were injured, Fahrettin Koca said on Twitter.

Twenty-eight ambulances, three teams from the National Medical Rescue Team (UMKE) and 99 health personnel have been assigned to work in disaster areas, Koca noted.

Koca also offered his condolences and best wishes to the Turkish nation.

The 15 million-strong Istanbul metropolis and a number of other Turkish provinces have been battered by a powerful storm with gale-force winds since Monday, resulting in a ban on motorcycles and electric scooters from roads and the suspension of education in various places due to safety concerns.