4 hours agoTurkey evacuates tourists shaken by fires in Bodrum
Periskopi(5 years ago)
(5 years ago)In Turkey, shocked tourists rushed towards the coast Saturday pending rescue boats following orders to evacuate several hotels at the Aegean resort of Bodrum, while that area is threatened by fires, local media report. Operations are being directed by coastal security units, while authorities have called on ships [...]
Operations are being directed by coastal security units, while authorities have called on private ships and yachts to help with evacuation efforts. New fires have erupted in that region. Film footage shows smoke and fire involving a hill off the beach.
On Saturday, the number of victims from fires in Turkey's Mediterranean cities went to six people after losing their lives to two forest workers, the country's health minister announced. Since Wednesday, fires in Turkey have burned forests and several settlements, destroying villages and tourist destinations and forcing people to evacuate.
Agriculture and Forests Minister Bekir Packemirli said on Saturday that 91 of the 101 fires that broke out between strong winds and scorching heat have been brought under control. Authorities declared disaster areas the neighbourhoods affected by fire in five provinces.
President Recep Tayip Erdogan visited the area on Saturday, inspecting helicopter injuries.
Speaking from the town of Manavga, Erdogan announced that the Turkish government would cover the rents for people affected by fires and rebuild their homes. He said that taxes, social insurance and credit payments would be postponed to touch and small businesses would be offered zero-interest loans.
