“It was a harrowing night as the relentless fire once again ravaged through Turkey. This isn’t our first encounter with such a catastrophic blaze, but its intensity and the challenges it presents remain daunting. The acrid taste of smoke lingers in my senses, a constant reminder of the inferno that engulfed the rugged landscape,” recounts Kerem, his voice brimming with urgency.
Belen, located merely an hour away from our base, triggered an immediate response from our team. One group together with @specchioditalia , @humanitarianprojects and @operationblessing swiftly rushed to the warehouse, gathering essential supplies of water and masks. Meanwhile, the other team, stationed three hours away, strategically positioned themselves to provide support on an additional front. Remarkably, the second group arrived with a vital resource: individual portions of nourishing kebabs to sustain the rescuers and individuals involved in the operation. It also served as sustenance for those fleeing the affected areas, desperate for nourishment amidst the chaos.
“The scale of devastation is staggering. Nearly an entire village was evacuated, and the once-thriving forest, a precious ecosystem, has been reduced to ashes, consuming a vast expanse of 250 hectares. Although the fire is currently under control, it took relentless efforts spanning over grueling 10 hours to tame its ferocity. Yet, the looming threat persists, as these destructive fires have the potential to reignite in other regions, such as Mersin, Mugla, and their surrounding territories,” Kerem reveals.
We have gained invaluable insights into optimizing our response tactics and recalibrating our actions. Armed with this hard-earned knowledge, we strive to become even more effective in our swift and efficient reactions to confront and mitigate the devastating impact of this natural catastrophe in the future.
Belen, Hatay (Turkey) on July 16, 2023, 2:00 pm. Photo credit to www.dailysabah.com
