Watch : Multiple Wildfires Across Turkey- Four Killed, Villages Evacuated
TURKEY: The death toll from wildfires on Turkey’s southern coast has risen to four and firefighters were battling blazes for a third day on Friday after the evacuation of dozens of villages and some hotels. More than 70 wildfires have broken out this week in provinces on Turkey’s Aegean and Mediterranean coasts as well as inland areas, President Tayyip Erdogan said, adding that 14 were still burning.
Planes from Russia and Ukraine helped battle the flames and another from Azerbaijan was joining them. “As of midday, with the arrival of the planes, we are turning in a positive direction,” Erdogan told reporters after Friday prayers. Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said fires raged on in six provinces and officials promised to bring to account anyone found responsible for starting them.
According to AP, Turkish Agriculture and Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said that one fire that broke out on Wednesday in Antalya province’s Manavgat has been contained, but another that began early on Thursday, sweeping through the district of Akseki, has kept firefighters busy. Pakdemirli added that blazes have continued to rage in six provinces.
WATCH VIDEO BELOW:
How can a country like Turkey, with massive forest land and a warm climate, only have 3 planes to battle forest fires?
Mixed feelings.
“More than 60 wildfires have broken out across 17 provinces on Turkey's Aegean and Mediterranean coasts this week.” pic.twitter.com/zHy3PLV7Sj
— Hatice AVCI ‘Deniz’ (@HaticeDenizAVCI) July 30, 2021
Heartbreaking to see the multiple wildfires across Turkey.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Turkey and our Turkish-Australian community as they face these tragic and difficult circumstances.
My deep condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. 🙏🇹🇷#PrayForTurkey pic.twitter.com/7MUG4EmUe2
— Natalie Suleyman MP (@NatalieSuleyman) July 30, 2021