By Xinhua
Ankara : As much of Turkey remained in the clutches of recent cold weather, schools have been closed in some cities in eastern and central Turkey, local newspaper Today’s Zaman reported on Wednesday.
When temperatures dropped as low as minus 34 Celsius degrees in southeastern Turkish province of Ardahan, primary, secondary and high schools would be closed for three days, said the report, quoting local governor.
Schools in central Anatolian province of Sivaswere were also closed on Jan. 16 and 17 due to an increasing number of absent students.
Fuel tanks of diesel vehicles iced up, while plumbing and sewage systems of buildings were frozen in many cities, said the report, adding that drivers tried to cover their vehicles with blankets during the night and some even lit fires under their fueltanks to thaw them.
Tens of thousands of water meters and many sewage and plumbing systems were frozen throughout the capital city of Ankara, as well as in other cities, according to the report.
Meteorologists in Turkey said that the icy cold was expected to maintain its grip throughout the eastern regions until next Monday.