Turkey fights wildfires amid scorching heatwave across Mediterranean
Turkey Wildfires Tragedy: 14 Deaths Amid a Record Heatwave
Heatwave Conditions Spark Rapid Fire Spread
- Silopi recorded a scorching 50.5 °C on Friday.
- Central Anatolia is expected to see 40–45 °C.
- The southeast will continue 45–50 °C until Tuesday.
Vulnerable Population Faces Forced Evacuation
- Approximately 20 villages have been evacuated.
- More than 3,500 residents were compelled to abandon homes.
- Around 19 villages were evacuated in the Safranbolu north‑region.
Firefighting Efforts in a Wind‑Assisted Firestorm
- Bursa’s north‑western industrial hub battled blazes for the third day in a row.
- Strong winds played a significant role, according to Agriculture Minister Ibrahim Yumakli.
- Tractors, water tanks, and water bottles were mobilised by locals.
- Karabuk fire intensity has reduced, and a Kahramanmaras blaze is now under control.
Casualties Among Rescue Teams
- In western Turkey, a wildfire near Eskisehir claimed at least ten forest workers.
- A firefighter suffered a heart attack on Saturday.
- One firefighter was injured on Sunday during a water‑tanker truck accident outside Bursa.
A Call for Vigilance From President Erdoğan
- President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan reported that 96 % of fires stem from human activity.
- He acknowledged a few cases of sabotage.
- “This is a war—defending our green homeland against an insidious enemy,” he asserted.
Statistics and Future Outlook
| Total Fires Since Summer | 3,000+ |
|---|---|
| Predicted Desertification Risk | 88 % of territory at risk |
| Projected Rainfall Decrease | 30 % by century’s end |
| Projected Temperature Rise | 5–6 °C above 1961‑1990 averages |
Parallel Fire Events in the Region
- In Greece, a new fire erupted near the eastern Athens university campus; 65 firefighters, 20 vehicles, and multiple aircraft were deployed.
- Portugal’s Viana do Castelo district faced a dual‑direction blaze; Spanish planes aided Portuguese firefighters.
(This re‑rendering offers a comprehensive, structured snapshot of the recent wildfire crisis in Turkey and neighboring countries, emphasising the human and environmental toll of the escalating heatwave.)
