At least 17 killed in ‘apocalyptic' Turkey wildfires sparked by record 50C heatwave as thousands flee their homes
The infernos have
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Giant flames took over the Orhaneli district of Bursa, Turkiye
Credit: Getty
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Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes
Credit: Getty
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Efforts continue to bring a forest fire under control in Orhaneli district of Bursa, Turkiye, as the blaze enters its third day on July 28
Credit: Getty
Ten rescue volunteers and forestry workers lost their lives in a blaze in Eskisehir last week, while four more died outside Bursa over the weekend.
Two volunteer firefighters succumbed to injuries after being pulled from an overturned water tanker.
Another worker died at the scene and a firefighter suffered a fatal heart attack on Sunday.
Turkey's forestry minister Ibrahim Yumakli confirmed that crews battled at least 44 separate fires on Sunday alone, declaring the western provinces of Izmir and Bilecik disaster areas.
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The chaos comes as firefighters across the region struggle to contain a
Across Turkey alone,
With record-breaking temperatures showing no sign of easing, officials fear the death toll could rise as the eastern Mediterranean braces for even more infernos.
In Greece, a week-long heatwave peaking at 45C sparked multiple wildfires, forcing
Most read in The US Sun
A huge blaze scorched a northern suburb of the Greek capital on Saturday, with 115 firefighters and 24 vehicles deployed on Evia, backed by six planes and seven helicopters.
Meanwhile, Cyprus is battling what officials have branded its worst wildfires 'for 50 years.'
Shock moment beachgoers surrounded by smoke as raging wildfires in Italian hols hotspot
With temperatures soaring to 44C, dozens of homes have been destroyed in the Troodos mountains.
Brit couple Lucy and Ben Armstrong were among those left homeless.
Ben told The Sun: 'We lost everything that day, there's nothing left.
'We had fish tanks in the house and there was absolutely nothing left of what was in the water except melted glass on the floor.'
Two people were found dead in a burnt-out car as more than 70 houses were reduced to rubble.
Meanwhile, in Sardinia, Italy, tourists were sent running for their lives when
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The wildfire, which initially appeared to be slowing, grew again due to strong winds
Credit: Getty
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Vast swathes of forest have been reduced to ash
Credit: Getty
Sunbathers abandoned their towels and spades as thick black smoke engulfed the shoreline.
The coast guard evacuated 102 people by sea, while helicopters hovered overhead during the dramatic operation.
Some 200 cars and a kiosk were torched as the blaze tore through the Sarrabus area — described by local media as a 'jewel' now reduced to cinders.
Footage showed burnt-out vehicles after flames ravaged the parking area, leaving many stranded.
Fire crews deployed two Canadair firefighting planes, a helicopter, regional aircraft, and even an Italian Air Force vehicle to contain the inferno as winds fanned the flames.
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People look at burning trees during a wildfire in western Bursa province, Turkey
Credit: Reuters
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Irish Examiner
9 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Hot topic: Why bake on the Med when you can have a 'coolcation' at home?
It's the summer season, and you've planned your getaway for months. You are heading for the sunnier climes of Spain or Portugal, even as far as Greece. The traditional sun holiday had it all: beaches, sea, some nice food and most of all, the guarantee of good weather. The sun holiday has been with us for decades, and it's something I've always enjoyed; it's a break from Ireland and the inclement weather. This was something we all revelled in for countless summers. Come the school holidays and the quieter month of August, when the country traditionally shuts down for silly season, we all flocked to the Med. But one would want to be wilfully ignoring the weather forecast for Europe for the last few years, not to know heatwaves are becoming more common; what was once an occasional flare-up now seems to be the norm. I first noticed it in 2018 when a summer heatwave and drought hit Ireland and the UK. Having lived in Australia for nearly a decade, I initially welcomed that warm spell, but then the heat lingered, and I began to have second thoughts. And that was only the start of it. Greece and Turkey are currently battling wildfires, with temperatures above 40C. Picture: Pantelis Fykaris/ via AP The year 2022 saw the worst drought in the Iberian Peninsula for 1,200 years, but it wasn't alone. California also experienced a megadrought, the worst in 1,00 years. The droughts also go hand-in-hand with that deadly outcome: fire. Over the past few summers, wildfires have burned across Europe in our traditional holiday countries. Wildfires and 40C temperatures Indeed, at the time of writing, Greece and Turkey are battling wildfires, with temperatures above 40C. In southern Turkey, the temperatures reached 50.5C in the southeastern city of Silopi, as reported by the BBC, with people being evacuated in the region in their thousands. Tourists have in recent years at times been caught in the crosshairs of these extreme heat and wildfires, with tourists evacuated from holiday regions. Just recently, 5,000 people were evacuated from the island of Crete (more than half of them tourists.) And evacuation is a best-case scenario — in the Greek wildfires in 2023, there were 28 deaths and 75 people injured. But it's not just wildfires, the extreme heatwaves can have more subtle impacts, with estimates now saying some 2,300 people died due to high heat across 12 European cities between June 23 and July 2 of this year, according to research conducted by Imperial College London. France alone saw some 480 people die due to extreme heatwaves that affected nearly the entire nation from June 19 to July 6. The numbers and temperatures can seem improbable at the remove of, by-and-large, temperate Ireland, but once one has experienced 40C, you remember that sort of heat and how oppressive it can be. We knew the climate was changing, but the rate of change of warming in Europe is now faster than the global average — indeed, it is the fastest-warming continent on the planet. With all this in mind, quite a few of us have now started to do something different. Instead of heading for an oppressive Mediterranean beach, people are opting for cool-weather tourism. Cool-weather tourism, or coolcations as it is known, is the option to switch from the heat to a cooler climate country. Escaping heat and overtourism It's not that we are choosing bad weather, rather we are opting to escape the heat and, in the case of many city breaks, the scourge of overtourism. The great thing about coolcations is we don't have far to go — Ireland is right up there on the list of coolcation destinations. Countries like ours, the Scandinavian nations, and even as far flung as Patagonia in Chile and Argentina are now coming into focus for holiday makers. It's why this year I'll be taking my few days' holiday in Ireland and Scotland. The benefits are many if we can break away from the concept of sun worship. Many coolcation regions are a short flight or drive away, they don't suffer from overtourism for the most part, and you can relax at ease knowing that even the big famous tourism spots won't be inundated with snap-happy tourists. My choice of holidaying in a cooler Ireland and Scotland, however, does come with some consequences. Things are more expensive here than say a sunny beach town in Spain, and hotels prices and eating out can put a real dent in holiday plans. Last summer, we went to Dingle in Kerry, pictured, the summer before, we went to Connemara. There were tourists there, but it never felt oppressive. But then I know how much it costs to do this in Ireland already, so we can maybe opt for different approaches, an Airbnb, and cook our own meals rather than going out to restaurants each night of the holiday, or going to galleries and museums, many of which are free. I'm not some Johnny-come-lately on coolcations, though — I knew about it before it was cool, as they say. Last summer, we went to Dingle in Kerry, the summer before, we went to Connemara. There were tourists there, but it never felt oppressive, and the weather was good, bright, but never too hot. And it turns out, I'm far from alone. Euronews reported earlier this year there has been a 44% increase in people travelling to cooler-weather locations for their holidays, including the Nordics, Canada and Iceland. A different sort of holiday Of course, a cool-weather holiday is a different sort of holiday. In Scotland or Ireland, lying on a beach is probably not going to be your number one priority, but if we can get over that stumbling block, there are plenty of more active opportunities on offer. Hill-walking and mountain-climbing in Scotland or Ireland is breathtaking, one can catch a wave on some of the best surf in the world on Ireland's west coast or, as I have heard from fishing friends, go for salmon in the Baltics or even northern Russia. Tourism is already our largest indigenous industry, so we are well used to managing crowds, but we'd better ensure the good thing about Ireland, which is that it never feels too busy, can remain while we accommodate the expected surge. It all sounds good on paper, but if coolcations take off, do we risk these cool-weather locations and countries suffering the same overtourism as our Mediterranean neighbours? We don't want the MacGillycuddy's Reeks to have a queue to get to the top like the Eiffel Tower, or a fjord in Norway to become the new Venice, polluted with cruise ships. As this new trend emerges, it's up to us cool-weather nations to manage the inflow of these extra tourists coming to our nations. Tourism is already our largest indigenous industry, so we are well used to managing crowds, but we'd better ensure the good thing about Ireland, which is that it never feels too busy, can remain while we accommodate the expected surge. It's a holiday option I'll be taking for the foreseeable and one that gives me a sense of relief. I don't have to fly south, I don't have to suffer sweltering heat, and as I'm holidaying with the family in Ireland, I can drive there in the comfort of my own vehicle. Europe and the world is changing. I don't want to live through another 40C heatwave, and if I have my way about it, I won't. There's something to be said for that. And something that thousands are starting to catch on to. If Ireland is smart, we'll be a player in coolcation opportunities, and we can do it and welcome people from around the world as we have always done — with a smile and perhaps a hot whiskey to warm them up.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
UK weather: Storm Floris to batter Britain with 85mph winds as Met Office issues yellow warning over ‘danger to life'
BRITS have been urged to brace for Storm Floris as the Met Office warns of "unseasonably strong winds" up to 85mph. The UK is set to be battered by the fierce gales on Monday, along with torrential rain. 3 Storm Floris has been named Credit: Getty 3 A yellow weather warning for wind is in place from Monday until Tuesday Credit: metoffice 3 Brits have been told to expect winds of up to 85mph and torrential rain Credit: X/@metoffice Wind gusts are forecast to reach 40-50mph inland with gusts of 60-70mph possible along exposed coasts in the north and west. Scottish coastlines and high ground may even see wind gusts of up to 85mph. A yellow wind warning has been issued for Scotland, Northern England, Northern Ireland, and north Wales on Monday. It is in force from 6am until 6am on Tuesday and those affected have been told to expect "danger to life". Read More "Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties," said the weather agency. Brits have also been warned of property damage such as "tiles blown from roofs" and risk of injury from "flying debris". "Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage," the warning added. Disruption to public transport services and delays on the roads are also predicted. Most read in The Sun The strong winds will first begin to ease in the west on late Monday, but remain very strong until early Tuesday in the east. Matthew Lehnert, a Met Office Chief Meteorologist, said: 'Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40-50mph, with 60-70mph more likely at higher elevations and around exposed coasts in Scotland. "There is a small chance that some locations here could even record gusts of 85mph.' A spokesperson for the weather agency added on X: "Storm Floris has been named. "Unseasonably strong winds, gales in the north, locally severe and accompanied by heavy rain. Disruption possible." Storm Floris is the sixth named storm of this Storm Naming season. It comes after Gusts of 100mph were recorded at Drumalbin in Scotland, the Met Office said. UK five day weather forecast Today A dry day for most on Friday with sunny spells. Showers developing across central and eastern England, some turning locally heavy in the afternoon with the odd rumble of thunder possible. Near average temperatures, feeling pleasant in the sunshine. Tonight Any afternoon showers fading away leaving a dry evening for most with some late sunshine. Dry overnight with clear periods and turning cool in the countryside with patchy fog possible. Saturday A dry day with plenty of sunshine and generally small amounts of cloud. Feeling warm in the sunshine with light winds, though a little breezy in some coastal areas. Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday Breezier on Sunday with rain clearing to sunnier skies later. Turning unsettled and unseasonably windy on Monday with some disruption possible. Drier but still rather windy on Tuesday. More to follow... For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video. Like us on Facebook at
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Hundreds evacuated after series of rockfalls in Italy's Brenta Dolomites
Hundreds of hikers and tourists were evacuated and dozens of trails closed after a series of rockfalls on the slopes of Cima Falkner in the Brenta Dolomites in the north of Italy, as experts warned of a sharp rise in landslides in the area linked to thawing permafrost. In recent days, visitors reported hearing loud booms followed by rockfalls and thick clouds of dust rising from Monte Pelmo in the Val di Zoldo after rocky pinnacles broke away and crashed down into the valley below in the municipality of Selva di Cadore in Italy's Belluno province. Another collapse was recorded on Cima Falkner, where experts say the entire area is undergoing a process of erosion linked to rising temperatures and the wider climate emergency. No one was injured and the falling debris came to a stop higher up the mountain. 'Multiple rockfalls have occurred on both the western and eastern slopes of Cima Falkner in the Brenta Group,' read a statement by authorities in the region of Trentino-Alto Adige. 'As a result, all climbing routes and hiking trails directly affected by the area have been immediately closed. 'All hikers in the area have been evacuated. We urge everyone to pay maximum attention and strictly follow the ordinances to ensure their own safety.' Following reports of rockfalls, a technical inspection was conducted on Tuesday by the geological service with the support of a helicopter unit, which confirmed that 'the entire summit is affected by an ongoing geomorphological process, likely linked to permafrost degradation'. Rockfalls have always occurred in the Dolomites, but experts this year warned of a striking rise in the number of collapses, driven by extreme heat and weather events intensified by the climate crisis. 'Never before have we seen such an incredible increase in rockfalls,' Piero Carlesi, president of the scientific committee of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI), told la Repubblica. 'Landslides are on the rise, and the main cause is the climate crisis. There's no doubt about it.' He added: 'Mountains, by definition, are destined to collapse – they won't remain as we know them for ever. What's different now is that we're seeing a clear acceleration of these processes, driven by heat and extreme weather events intensified by the climate crisis.' Cold temperatures, causing water seeping into rock fractures to freeze, acted as a kind of glue, holding the rocks together. But now, Carlesi said, with rising temperatures, that glue was disappearing and fractured rock was increasingly breaking off and tumbling down gullies. 'It's happening more and more often,' he said. Last year, Italian scientists who took part in a campaign launched by the environmentalist group Legambiente said the Marmolada glacier — the largest and most symbolic in the Dolomites — could melt completely by 2040. Their report said Marmolada was losing between 7cm and 10cm of depth a day and that over the past five years, 70 hectares (173 acres) of its surface had disappeared. Since the beginning of scientific measurements in 1888, the Marmolada glacier has withdrawn by 1,200 metres in an 'irreversible coma'. In 2022, a collapse on the Marmolada mountain sent an avalanche of ice, snow and rock downslope and killed 11 people. Erosion and rockfalls are on the rise not only in the Dolomites but across the entire Alpine range, according to mountaineers and experts. In late June 2025, Mont Blanc experienced a record-breaking heatwave with temperatures remaining above zero for an extended period at high altitudes, including the summit. Bernard Vion, a 66-year-old mountain guide, has been walking and climbing in the French Alps around Pralognan-la-Vanoise since he was a child and accompanies visitors on climbs. He said rockfalls and other dangers caused by climate change had complicated work for him and his colleagues. 'We have never seen rock falls of such intensity and regularity before. The permafrost, which is like a kind of cement holding the rocks together, is melting, meaning they have no cohesion and they collapse,' he said. Vion opened his phone to show a message from another guide with pictures of a large rockfall near a mountain refuge at about 2,800 metres above Pralognan-la-Vanoise on Monday. 'He was really shocked. He said he never expected it to happen there,' Vion said. 'For several years now we have had to develop the ability to observe these phenomenon and spot the warning signs. In some cases we've had to totally modify our itineraries to reduce the risk to our clients. Even for us guides this is difficult and I worry about amateur climbers who don't have the same mountain culture.' He said 'of course' this was due to climate breakdown. 'You'd have to be blind not to see it. Anyone who doubts this should come to the mountains.' — The Guardian
