Mehmet Y. Yilmaz: Let's enjoy the snow!
Güncelleme Tarihi:
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Ocak 20, 2006 09:57
The cold front which has dropped like an atom bomb onto Russia is approaching Turkey. From Monday night onwards, the temperature here is to drop sharply. Snow is expected. The news says that by Tuesday, the snow will be like a blizzard.
But the greater Istanbul Municipality is prepared this time. The Municipality Disaster Center has issued warnings of the dangers inherent in the coming snowstorms. And now, the ball lies in the court of ordinary citizens. It is our responsibility not to go outdoors, not to drive on the roads, unless completely necessary. People who, despite all of these warnings, go out and tangle up the traffic, and then cry "where is the government?!" have no right to complain to the Mayor or the Governor.
Another approach that could be taken is that, in a way which doesn't disturb public services, letting workplaces take breaks. As it is, many people cannot even go to work when it snows in Istanbul. Rather than seeing this as a "pleasure" break, turning this into a program which would help urgent public services work through the cold wave is an idea.
There are other precautions which should be taken: I believe it is an urgent requirement that we provide warm shelter for any street children or homeless people out there. And one more word of advice to Istanbul residents: In this type of weather, street dogs and cats, and birds, face real danger from hunger. Let's leave food out in easy to spot places for these animals.
If we all follow these suggestions, we will be able to enjoy Istanbul under the snow, a beautiful sight, much more easily.
Another approach that could be taken is that, in a way which doesn't disturb public services, letting workplaces take breaks. As it is, many people cannot even go to work when it snows in Istanbul. Rather than seeing this as a "pleasure" break, turning this into a program which would help urgent public services work through the cold wave is an idea.
There are other precautions which should be taken: I believe it is an urgent requirement that we provide warm shelter for any street children or homeless people out there. And one more word of advice to Istanbul residents: In this type of weather, street dogs and cats, and birds, face real danger from hunger. Let's leave food out in easy to spot places for these animals.
If we all follow these suggestions, we will be able to enjoy Istanbul under the snow, a beautiful sight, much more easily.