Wildfires have swept through parts of Turkey and Cyprus, leaving at least twelve people dead and causing widespread damage. The fires, driven by soaring temperatures and strong winds, hit Turkey’s Eskisehir province hardest, where ten forest workers and rescue volunteers lost their lives after being trapped by flames. Fourteen others were injured and taken to hospitals. In Cyprus, two people died as fires destroyed about 100 homes, forcing authorities to order evacuations.
The situation is alarmingly dangerous. Turkey’s Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Ibrahim Yumakli, said soaring heat caused by a blast of air from the Sahara Desert is pushing temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in some southeastern areas. On Wednesday alone, nine major wildfires ignited across Turkey.
Wildfires are not new to the Mediterranean, but they have grown more frequent and intense over the years due to climate change. Europe, which is warming faster than any other continent, has seen heat waves disrupt daily life, close tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Acropolis in Athens, and put millions of vulnerable people at risk.
In Cyprus, the largest fire broke out in the Limassol district, burning around 100 square kilometers of forest. Spain has sent two firefighting planes to help Cyprus, and Jordan is also offering support. The Cypriot fire service plans to deploy over a dozen aircraft to contain flare-ups. Temperatures are expected to climb as high as 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) inland on Thursday.
Greece is also on alert, with forecasts warning of strong northerly winds that could worsen fire risks on Friday and Saturday. Temperatures there could reach 44 degrees Celsius, with warm nights offering little relief.
Experts warn that changing land use and more human development near forests add to the danger. Climate change is making wildfires more common and severe across the region, turning many European landscapes into high-risk areas.
Warnings for heat and wildfires extend beyond the Mediterranean. Parts of northern Europe, including Finland and Norway, have received alerts. The Iberian Peninsula and much of southeastern Europe are also under watch. However, a shift in weather by early August may bring some relief.
Meanwhile, northwest Europe faces a different kind of threat. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected in 14 regions of France, including Paris. These storms could bring flooding and hail, with possible damage to farm and vineyard areas.
For now, firefighters and emergency services in Turkey, Cyprus, and neighboring countries remain on high alert as they battle the blazes and work to protect lives and homes amid record-breaking heat and worsening wildfire conditions.