Local sources from Turkey: Gazete Oksijen, NTV Haber.
UK coverage: Daily Express.
Turkey is currently facing a severe wildfire crisis, one of the most challenging natural disasters in its recent history, prompting the evacuation of 1,500 people and resulting in the tragic loss of 13 lives, including a firefighter. Driven by a historic heatwave, with temperatures soaring to a record-breaking 50.5C (123°F), the wildfires have unleashed their fury across various regions including Bursa, Karabuk, Usak, and Kahramanmaras, causing widespread destruction and prompting the government to declare certain areas as disaster zones. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described the situation as ‘a truly great disaster,’ with the mobilization of 25,000 personnel to combat the fires that have also reached the Mediterranean coast, leading to additional evacuations and an intensified effort to bring the situation under control. These wildfires are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather and natural disasters affecting Europe, with countries like Greece also grappling with similar outbreaks and seeking assistance from the EU. Gazete Oksijen reports that Turkey’s struggle against the wildfires continues with fervor, particularly in the Orhaneli and Harmancık districts of Bursa and the areas around Kestel and Gürsu. The firefighting operations, now in their third day, have seen the deployment of 6 aircraft, 4 helicopters, 855 land vehicles, and 2,300 personnel. According to the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, significant progress has been made in controlling the fires, with the Kestel district fire largely under control and the perimeter of the Harmancık fire completely surrounded. Additionally, 30-year-old Ufuk Aytekin has been arrested in connection with the Bursa fire. The widespread damage includes the destruction or severe impairment of 104 residential units across various regions, as stated by the Minister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, Murat Kurum. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya disclosed that seven people were detained in relation to the fires between July 22-27, with three arrested and four placed under judicial control. NTV Haber adds that the situation remains critical in several areas, with ongoing efforts to extinguish smoldering fires in Karabük and combat active flames in Harmancık, which have been exacerbated by the wind. The Minister of Agriculture and Forestry has cautioned about the heightened risk of wildfires in the coming week and has urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid starting open fires, and promptly report any signs of fire to emergency services. As Turkey continues to battle these devastating wildfires, the country stands united in its efforts to overcome this calamity, with a call for increased vigilance and cooperation from the public to prevent further outbreaks.
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