Several provinces in Turkey have experienced a surge in forest fires following high temperatures and strong winds. Notably, fires in Izmir, Manisa, Mugla, Adana, Hatay, Aydin, and other regions were observed simultaneously at several points.
In Izmir's Menderes and Seferihisar districts, fires spread over an area of up to 12 kilometers. Even summer resorts, households, and vehicles suffered damage. 10 neighborhoods are under threat.
In Manisa's Akhisar district, a fire has been ongoing for three days. 3 aircraft, 5 helicopters, 85 fire trucks, and hundreds of workers have been deployed.
Flames have risen from the Karaali neighborhood in Hatay's Antakya district. The flames have approached residential areas. Efforts to combat the fire are being conducted from the air and on the ground.
In some regions — Antalya, Mardin, Osmaniye, Aydin, and Mersin — fires have been brought under control. However, the threat remains in other areas.
As the people of Turkey battle the fires in the face of strong winds and temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius, the question remains: Are the preparations against such emergencies sufficient?
Are there any casualties? Is the number of victims confirmed? How many areas are threatened by new fires?
Eyes are on the planes flying overhead, hopes on the people dousing flames. But Turkey's "breathing paths" — the forests — are on fire.
