Welcome to our pick of last week’s news from Fethiye and around Türkiye.
Curated from various news sources.
NEWS
Crop fire kills 11 in southeast Türkiye, injures dozens
fire that apparently started in crop stubble spread through settlements in southeast Türkiye overnight, killing 11 people and leaving dozens of others requiring medical treatment, officials and news reports said Friday.
The blaze in Türkiye broke out in an area between the provinces of Diyarbakır and Mardin. Fanned by winds, it moved quickly through the villages of Köksalan, Yazçiçeği and Bağacık, Diyarbakır Governor Ali Ihsan Su said. The fire was brought under control early Friday.
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca posted on X that 11 people were killed. Around 80 others required treatment, including six who were in serious condition.
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç said that authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which lit up the night sky.
Hundreds of farm animals also perished in the fire, according to reports.
Animal welfare groups distributed pictures of numerous burnt and seriously injured sheep and goats still waiting for veterinary help.
Across the country in northwest Türkiye, meanwhile, firefighters were battling a wildfire near the town of Ayvacık in Çanakkale province, the state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) said.
No one was hurt, but authorities evacuated the small village of Camköy as a precaution, the agency reported.
It was one of several wildfires that have erupted in the province of Çanakkale in the past week amid high winds and scorching summer temperatures.
Türkiye has experienced 74 wildfires so far this year, which have ravaged 12,910 hectares (31,900 acres) of land, according to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS).
In the summer of 2021, Türkiye suffered its worst-ever wildfires. They claimed nine lives and destroyed huge swathes of forested land across its Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.
Source: Daily Sabah
High Temperatures and Humidity Drive Crowds to Ölüdeniz Beach
According to data from the 4th Regional Directorate of Meteorology, Fethiye city centre recorded a high of 36 degrees Celsius on Saturday, with a humidity rate of 46 percent. The scorching heat drew both foreign tourists and local residents to Ölüdeniz beach, a popular destination especially busy due to the Eid al-Adha holiday.
With temperatures soaring, many citizens sought relief from the oppressive heat by taking a dip in the refreshing waters. Ölüdeniz beach was teeming with people looking to cool off, highlighting the area’s appeal during the hot summer months. Local authorities continue to remind beachgoers to stay hydrated and take precautions against sun exposure.
Source: https://www.gercekfethiye.com/fethiye-de-yuzde-50-ye-varan-nem-orani-bunaltti/79041/
Fire First Response Training Conducted on Şövalye Island by Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department
The Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department has conducted fire first response training for the residents of Şövalye Island, a historical location off the coast of Fethiye known for its inaccessibility by road and rich cultural heritage. Historically used as a base by the Knights of Rhodes, the island is now a summer hotspot for both local and international tourists.
Şövalye Island spans 23 hectares and includes 70 buildings, four accommodation facilities, restaurants, and beaches. With the summer season bringing an influx of visitors, the fire department has taken proactive measures to mitigate fire risks associated with the increased population and dry conditions.
Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Fire Department Head Mehmet Karyağdı, along with branch managers and fire brigade teams, inspected the island’s fire hydrants and cabinets. They provided residents with critical information on fire prevention and response.
Local business owner Osman İnci, who has experienced multiple fire incidents on the island, expressed relief and gratitude for the new measures. “The abundance of trees and dry grass makes fire a constant risk. The fire hydrants set up at 50 to 100-meter intervals, along with the new training, make us feel significantly safer,” he said. “Although firefighters can reach the island within 20 minutes by boat, having these systems in place is a major reassurance.”
Fire Department Head Karyağdı emphasized the importance of vigilance. “Given the island’s inaccessibility by road, our teams must respond via sea transport, which necessitates immediate and coordinated efforts,” he explained. “We have installed fire hydrants and cabinets with 100-meter hoses and provided residents with essential training. These systems are monitored continuously to ensure readiness.”
Karyağdı urged both residents and visitors to be cautious with fire, particularly in light of rising temperatures. “We ask everyone to avoid lighting fires carelessly, to refrain from discarding cigarette butts on pathways, and to only use designated areas for picnics. In the event of a fire, it’s crucial to contact the 112 Emergency Call Center immediately.”
Source: https://www.muglagazetesi.com.tr/sovalye-adasi-sakinlerine-yangin-egitimi-verildi-162850h.htm
Swimming Prohibited in Akçakoca Due to Adverse Conditions
Akçakoca, Düzce – The Akçakoca district governorship announced a temporary ban on swimming in all beaches within the district over the weekend. The prohibition, effective from June 22, 2024, to June 23, 2024, was due to adverse weather and sea conditions that pose a danger to swimmers.
In the official statement, the district governorship urged citizens to comply with the ban, emphasizing the risks involved. “Due to adverse weather/sea conditions, swimming in the sea on all beaches and beaches in our district is dangerous and prohibited between 22.06.2024 and 23.06.2024. We kindly request our citizens not to swim in the sea,” the statement read.
Residents and visitors are advised to stay informed about the conditions and adhere to the safety measures put in place for their protection.
Source: https://www.muglagazetesi.com.tr/o-ilcede-denize-girmek-yasaklandi-162877h.htm
36 dead in road accidents during Eid holiday
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on June 20 that 36 individuals died in traffic accidents across the country since the start of the Eid al-Adha holiday
Between June 15 and 19, a total of 6,550 people were injured in road accidents, Yerlikaya revealed in a social media post. The roads witnessed 696 accidents on June 19 alone, claiming 10 lives.
The Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha typically lasts four days, but this year, the government extended the holiday to nine days, prompting many to travel.
Yerlikaya emphasized the ongoing efforts to enforce speed regulations, with radar checks operating around the clock throughout the holiday period.
The extensive operation saw around 425,000 vehicles inspected. Over 23,000 of these underwent speed and radar checks, while nearly 36,000 faced other forms of scrutiny.
Yerlikaya also issued an appeal to the public, urging them to avoid excessive speeding and to drive prudently.
Source: https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/36-dead-in-road-accidents-during-eid-holiday-197642
SPORT
Thank you to Brian Lloyd for the sport update.
UEFA EURO 2024
Türkiye kicked off their EURO 2024 campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Georgia in their Group F opener at the BVB Stadion Dortmund on Tuesday.
Excited fans heading to the BVB Stadion Dortmund on Tuesday.
VIDEO — Footage captures amazing scenes of Turkish Crescent-Stars fans jubilating hours before their Euro 2024 opening match against Georgia in Dortmund, Germanyhttps://t.co/xof2k9KIan pic.twitter.com/lNaNvKZZSI
— Daily Sabah (@DailySabah) June 18, 2024
Türkiye lost their second game against Portugal on Saturday 22nd June. The final score was 0-3.
Türkiye’s next game is against Czechia on Wednesday 26th June. Kick off is at 22:00.
With two games played, Türkiye is at second place in Group F.
Turkish Lira (TL) exchange rates
The British Pound bought 41.54 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 41.49 TL.
The US Dollar bought 32.84 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 32.74 TL.
The Euro bought 35.11 TL by the close of business on Friday. The week before it was selling for 35.11 TL.
Source: exchangerates.org.uk
Weather Forecast
Here’s your weather forecast for the week ahead.
Source: Living Earth
