Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced that more than 50,000 people have been evacuated due to forest fires that have swept through the provinces of Izmir, Bilecik and Hatay, Turkey Today reported, quoted by Focus.
“Following the forest fires in Izmir, Bilecik and Hatay, over 50,000 of our citizens have been temporarily relocated to safe areas“, Yerlikaya said in a post on social media.
According to preliminary reports, 64 homes, 3 businesses and 20 barns were damaged in Bilecik, and 132 houses and 1 company in Izmir.
The Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) has allocated emergency financial assistance in the amount of 754.2 thousand dollars for Bilecik and Izmir, totaling about $1.5 million.
Hatay Governor Mustafa Masatlı announced that evacuations have begun in the Karaali, Oglakoren and Uçgedik districts. “We have evacuated approximately 1,500 people, who are currently accommodated in public dormitories,“ he said.
He said no one was injured and all actions are being coordinated with the participation of law enforcement, forestry and emergency services.
The Meteorological Early Warning System (MEUS) played a key role, allowing the timely positioning of fire crews in high-risk areas.