ISTANBUL

Though waning somewhat, the powerful storm in Istanbul that has left four people dead and 46 others injured continues to pose risks, with winds still gusting up to 100 kilometers (62 miles) per hour, the Turkish disaster agency said on Tuesday.

Gokhan Yilmaz, the head of Istanbul's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, said since the storm descended early Monday, the Turkish emergency service got some 4,000 storm-related calls.

More than 520 rooftops were ripped off, scores of trees were uprooted, dozens of traffic lights fell, and countless cars were damaged, while some construction sites collapsed, he added.

Damage assessment has yet to be completed as figures are being updated, he said, calling on Istanbul residents to stay vigilant, keep their vehicles and pets in safe places, and not leave home unless necessary.

The 15 million-strong Istanbul metropolis and various other Turkish provinces have been battered by a powerful storm since Monday, resulting in a ban on motorcycle and electric scooters and suspension of education in various places due to safety concerns.

*Writing by Ali Murat Alhas