Fifty degree heatwave behind wildfires in Türkiye

Since June, Türkiye has experienced a surge in extreme heat, with temperatures ranging 6 to 12 degrees Celsius above average nationwide. The southeastern town of Silopi in Şırnak province registered the highest recorded temperature at a staggering 50.5°C, one of the hottest readings in recent years. Several other cities have neared that threshold: Kızıltepe in Mardin hit 49.6°C, Cizre in Şırnak 49.4°C, and Nusaybin in Mardin 49.3°C. In total, six locations across the country have surpassed 49°C.

In other regions of Türkiye, temperatures also exceeded 40°C, with measurements taken in the shade at a height of two meters above ground, Caliber.Az reports via Turkish media.

The paper clarified that the extreme heat is part of a broader trend of rising temperatures in the region. Amid this abnormal heat, wildfires have broken out in the eastern part of Antalya province, spreading to residential areas in the city of Bursa.

The fires have rapidly intensified due to the record-high air temperatures. Rescue teams are actively battling the flames and taking measures to contain the fires.

In the Karabük region, located about 200 km north of Ankara, the fire has remained uncontrolled for over 70 hours. More than 1,300 people have been evacuated from the danger zone, including over 1,000 residents from 613 homes in the actively burning area. The flames have also approached the construction site of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, a joint Russian-Turkish project. According to Mash, more than 10,000 Russian specialists are currently present at the facility.

Since the morning of July 26, Russian aircraft have been deployed to assist in firefighting efforts. Be-200 amphibious planes and Mi-8 helicopters are operating in the region.

By Sabina Mammadli