Syria Struggles with Catastrophic Wildfires as Regional Assistance Arrives - PRESS AI WORLD
PRESSAI
Syria Struggles with Catastrophic Wildfires as Regional Assistance Arrives

Credited from: MIDDLEEASTEYE

  • Syria is facing catastrophic wildfires in Latakia, affecting over 10,000 hectares.
  • Assistance arrives from Jordan and Turkey to aid firefighting efforts.
  • Environmental authorities declare the situation a "real environmental disaster."
  • Strenuous conditions complicate firefighting efforts, including rugged terrain and unexploded ordnance.
  • International organizations urge for increased support to combat the crisis.

Wildfires have ravaged more than 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) of forest and farmland in Syria's coastal province of Latakia for four consecutive days, prompting a response from firefighters in neighbouring Jordan and Turkey. Reports indicate that at least 100 square kilometres (40 square miles) have been consumed by flames, leading to evacuations and significant damage to the environment, including hundreds of thousands of forest trees turned to ash, according to Indiatimes and Middle East Eye.

As the wildfires continue, Syrian emergency workers have struggled against fierce winds, high temperatures, and the rugged mountainous terrain that complicate firefighting operations. The presence of explosive remnants of war poses additional risks, exacerbating the situation further, as confirmed by multiple sources including Indiatimes and TRT Global.

The Syrian Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh, described the fires as a "real environmental disaster." He has stated that it may take "days" to extinguish the fires completely, even after they are brought under control. Firefighting teams from both Turkey and Jordan have contributed to local efforts, with more than 80 teams deployed, as reported by Middle East Eye and Indiatimes.

The United Nations has also called for greater international support to deal with the humanitarian crisis resulting from the wildfires. The UN's deputy envoy to Syria specifically urged for more assistance, highlighting the extensive damage and urgent needs on the ground. Previous warnings have indicated that Syria has been experiencing some of the worst climate conditions in six decades, exacerbating the current disaster, according to TRT Global and Middle East Eye.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE:

nav-post-picture
nav-post-picture