Europe is Burning! Up to 50.5 Degrees Heat and Flames in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus

This dramatic development has not only triggered local emergencies but also highlighted the urgent need for international cooperation and better disaster preparedness.

The Blazing Core: Heat Record and Fires in Turkey

Turkey is the scene of a new, alarming heat record: In Silopi, in the southeastern part of the country, the thermometer climbed to an incredible 50.5 degrees Celsius. Never before has a higher temperature been recorded in Turkey. This new record surpasses the previous high from August 2023 by a full degree. The impacts are immediate and devastating: Numerous communities, including popular holiday destinations like Cesme on the west coast, are forced to impose drastic restrictions on water consumption.

At the same time, two massive wildfires are raging in the country. The situation is particularly dramatic in the western province of Bursa, where the flames have dangerously approached residential areas. Over 1,700 people had to be brought to safety, and even an animal shelter was evacuated. Amidst the chaos, farmers with their tractors and water reserves are providing desperate assistance in firefighting efforts. Despite the tireless efforts of over 1,000 helpers, supported by firefighting planes and helicopters (whose use at night is too dangerous), the fires have been difficult to contain. In the northwestern Turkish province of Karabük, firefighters have been battling the flames for the fourth consecutive day, leading to the evacuation of 18 villages. The cause of these fires remains unclear and is under investigation.

Greece in the Fight Against the Inferno and Calls for Help to Europe

Greece is also experiencing a series of large forest and bush fires that are keeping the country on edge. Particularly affected are the islands of Euboea, Kythira, and Crete, as well as large parts of the Peloponnese peninsula. The humanitarian consequences are severe: Dozens of people have been hospitalized with smoke inhalation and other injuries. North of Athens, numerous houses have fallen victim to the flames or have been severely damaged since Saturday, leading to the evacuation of the towns of Kryoneri and Drosopigi. Although the authorities report no active fire front, embers continue to flare up, keeping the danger of renewed spread alive. Many regions remain without power, further exacerbating the population's plight.

With 145 firefighters, countless volunteers, 44 fire engines, seven helicopters, and ten firefighting planes, Greek emergency services are fighting on the front lines. In light of the scale of the disaster, the Greek government has requested help from the EU Civil Protection. Six firefighting planes have been requested, and the first two from Italy are already expected. Additionally, firefighting forces from the Czech Republic are already in the country to provide support. Greece itself has more than 80 firefighting helicopters and planes, which are strategically distributed due to the nationwide wildfire risk.

Cyprus: An Island in Ashes and Criticism

No less dramatic was the situation in Cyprus, where a massive forest and bush fire north of the port city of Limassol left a trail of devastation. Although the fire is now under control, the affected areas continue to be monitored by land and air to prevent a resurgence. The extent of the destruction is alarming: around 120 square kilometers of land have burned. Tragically, two people lost their lives when their car was engulfed by the fire. Dozens required medical treatment, houses burned down completely, and numerous animals perished in the flames.

While teams from the Ministry of Agriculture have already begun assessing the damage and affected farmers can apply for aid, criticism of the government's crisis management is growing. Despite earlier assurances from a government spokesman in June that the country was "better prepared for forest fires than ever before," parties from all political directions are now complaining about the lack of a coherent plan and poor coordination.

The current events in Turkey, Greece, and Cyprus are a stark reminder of the increasing threat posed by extreme weather events and the urgent need to further improve strategies for preventing, combating, and managing such disasters. International solidarity and support will be crucial in these difficult times.

How does extreme heat influence the occurrence and spread of forest fires?

Extreme heat dries out vegetation, soils, and organic materials, turning them into easily flammable material. This creates ideal conditions for the occurrence of fires due to natural causes (e.g., lightning) or human negligence. High temperatures combined with strong winds also promote the rapid and uncontrolled spread of flames.

What is the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and how does it work?

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) is a system that allows EU member states and participating countries to request or offer assistance in the event of major disasters (natural or man-made). It coordinates the provision of resources such as firefighting aircraft, expert personnel, equipment, or medical aid to complement the national response and increase the effectiveness of relief efforts.

What preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of forest fires?

Preventive measures include keeping forest and bush areas free of combustible material (e.g., through controlled burning or clearing), creating firebreaks, improving forest roads for firefighting vehicles, and early warning through monitoring systems. Educating the public about fire-prone behavior and banning open fires in risk areas are also crucial.

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.