Massive Fires Engulf Syria, Turkey, and Greece Amid Intense Heatwave and Severe Drought

With a severe heatwave and harsh drought sweeping through the Eastern Mediterranean region, fires are accelerating in Syria, Turkey, and Greece, influenced by strong winds that increase their spread speed and expand their area. This has led civil defense and firefighting teams to make tremendous efforts to contain and minimize the damages, in a fierce battle to preserve lives and properties.

In the Syrian countryside of Latakia, firefighting teams have been battling a tough fight against the fires that have swept through the forests of Mount Turkman, Al-Rihaniyah, Kensabba, Qanjarah, Daghmashliyah, amidst rugged terrains, scarce water, and difficulty in creating firebreaks. Despite these challenges, the teams have managed to extinguish dozens of fires and control 90% of the fires in the town of Al-Rihaniyah.

The Syrian Civil Defense announced the continuous intensive firefighting efforts in the areas of Atira, Al-Rihaniyah, Shalaf, Zinzaf, in addition to the villages and towns of Qastal Ma'af, Kasp, Al-Basit, Beit Al-Qaseer, Farnlq, Zaghreen, and Mount Turkman in northern Latakia, with reinforcements and additional support teams arriving to extinguish the fires and prevent their spread.

On the other side, Turkey is facing forest fires for the fourth consecutive day in the Aegean Sea regions in the northwest of the country, affecting the provinces of Aydin, Izmir, and Kutahya. Thousands of residents were evacuated from Izmir due to the intensification of the fires, which have reached forests, industrial areas, and homes, amidst ongoing ground and aerial firefighting efforts.

Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, confirmed improvements in the situation during a press conference, noting the control of the fires in Çeşme and intensified measures to control the fires in Odemis and Bucak. He mentioned that more than 342 fires have erupted since last Friday, warning of the worsening situation due to strong winds and high temperatures.

In Greece, firefighting teams continue their efforts to extinguish extensive fires in forests and olive groves on the island of Crete, which forced thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate the area. Around 1500 people were relocated to safe areas after intensive evacuation operations, involving several hotels, with the participation of about 270 firefighters, 10 helicopters, and drones in firefighting.

The spokesperson for the firefighting teams in Crete reported that the fire broke out on multiple fronts due to winds reaching speeds of up to 9 Beaufort scale, increasing the difficulty of control, as the fires continue to engulf forests and agricultural crops.

These fires come amidst an unprecedented heatwave and drought sweeping the region, raising the risks to the environment and people's lives, emphasizing the urgent need to intensify prevention and firefighting efforts to address the challenges of climate change.