Wildfires continued to rage near popular tourist destinations in Turkey on Sunday, a day after some hotels were evacuated and their guests taken to safety.
Five fires continued to burn near the coastal cities of Antalya and Mugla, the Minister of Forestry and Agriculture, Bekir Pakdemirli, tweeted Sunday, although he said that 107 fires were “under control.”
At least six people including two firefighters have died in the raging blazes which began in 32 provinces on Wednesday, roaring through forests and sending temperatures soaring.
Thousands were forced to evacuate as they encroached on settlements and tourist destinations.
"We are now left with the clothes we are wearing, me and my wife,” Mehmet Demir told Reuters after surveying the damage at his home near Antalya. Only bedsprings, a ladder, metal chairs and some kitchenware remained.
"The blaze spread through the highlands and raged suddenly," he said, adding, “There is nothing to do. This is when words fail."
Panicked tourists were evacuated from hotels in Antalya and Mugla on Saturday as a fire swept down a hill towards the seashore.
Police water cannons were used to control the blaze. Helicopters and fire trucks were also used to assist.
Five fires continued to burn near the coastal cities of Antalya and Mugla, the Minister of Forestry and Agriculture, Bekir Pakdemirli, tweeted Sunday, although he said that 107 fires were “under control.”
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| Turkey Antalya Mugla Wildfires Afflict |
Thousands were forced to evacuate as they encroached on settlements and tourist destinations.
"We are now left with the clothes we are wearing, me and my wife,” Mehmet Demir told Reuters after surveying the damage at his home near Antalya. Only bedsprings, a ladder, metal chairs and some kitchenware remained.
"The blaze spread through the highlands and raged suddenly," he said, adding, “There is nothing to do. This is when words fail."
Panicked tourists were evacuated from hotels in Antalya and Mugla on Saturday as a fire swept down a hill towards the seashore.
Police water cannons were used to control the blaze. Helicopters and fire trucks were also used to assist.