The Eastern Mediterranean is experiencing an unprecedented climate crisis, characterized by extremely high temperatures and destructive fires that threaten multiple regions in Greece and Turkey.
Turkish meteorological services officially registered a historic temperature record of 50.5 degrees in the Silopi area, located in the southeastern part of the country. This figure exceeds the previous maximum of 49.5 degrees, measured in August 2023 in the Eskişehir region.
Extreme heat has caused numerous fires that continue to rage in various parts of the country. In the resort city of Antalya, 46.1 degrees were measured, representing a new monthly record for July. Near the city of Bursa, over 1,700 people were evacuated due to a spreading forest fire.
Local politician Orhan Servibal described the situation as "apocalyptic", emphasizing the scale of the disaster. Turkish hospitals are registering a significant increase in heat stroke and dehydration cases.
Parallel to this, Greece is also battling five major fires, one of which threatens the area around Athens. In the Epidaurus region, residents were evacuated, with at least five people injured. Over 200 firefighters, supported by helicopters and planes, are trying to control the fire's spread.
On Evia Island, the fire continues to rage uncontrollably, with electricity supplies cut off and several settlements threatened. On Kythera Island, locals report "complete destruction", with 139 people evacuated through a rescue operation.
The crisis is not bypassing neighboring Balkan countries. In Albania, 26 active hotspots have been registered, forcing 2,000 people to leave their homes. In Kosovo, firefighters are battling 12 ongoing fires.
The Israeli Meteorological Service noted that this heat wave affects the entire Eastern Mediterranean region. They predict that today will be the hottest day of 2025, with temperatures around 47 degrees in the Jordan River Valley and the area around the Dead Sea.
According to a recently published UN report, 88% of Turkey's territory is threatened by desertification processes, which further intensifies the concern about the current climate crisis.
The situation remains extremely tense, with local authorities and international organizations making maximum efforts to control the fires and protect the population.