A firefighting helicopter is seen over the site of a forest fire in Diyarbakir province, Türkiye, June 21, 2024. The death toll from wildfires that ravaged southeastern Türkiye has climbed to 11, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced on his social media account on Friday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
ANKARA, June 21 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from wildfires that ravaged southeastern Türkiye has climbed to 11, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced on his social media account on Friday.
"The number of fatalities has risen to 11," Koca wrote, revising the earlier figure of five reported fatalities.
The minister added that another 78 people were "affected" by the fires, with five patients still in intensive care.
The fire has been distinguished by the firefighters, who are still working to cool down the affected area, according to Koca.
The fire originated on Thursday night as a stubble fire in cultivated areas spanning the Cinar district of Diyarbakir province and the Mazidagi district of Mardin province, according to Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya's statement on Friday.
Fueled by strong winds, the fire rapidly engulfed a large area before being brought under control by firefighters, said Yerlikaya.
Local authorities have issued warnings about the heightened risk of wildfires due to scorching temperatures and arid weather conditions expected throughout the week. Summer months in Türkiye frequently see wildfires, particularly in the western and southern regions. ■
This photo taken on June 21, 2024 shows the site of a forest fire in Diyarbakir province, Türkiye. The death toll from wildfires that ravaged southeastern Türkiye has climbed to 11, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced on his social media account on Friday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
This photo taken on June 21, 2024 shows the site of a forest fire in Diyarbakir province, Türkiye. The death toll from wildfires that ravaged southeastern Türkiye has climbed to 11, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced on his social media account on Friday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)、
Photo taken on June 21, 2024 shows an area where a wildfire broke out in Diyarbakir province, Türkiye. The death toll from wildfires that ravaged southeastern Türkiye has climbed to 11, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced on his social media account on Friday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2024 shows an area where a wildfire broke out in Diyarbakir province, Türkiye. The death toll from wildfires that ravaged southeastern Türkiye has climbed to 11, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced on his social media account on Friday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2024 shows an area where a wildfire broke out in Diyarbakir province, Türkiye. The death toll from wildfires that ravaged southeastern Türkiye has climbed to 11, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced on his social media account on Friday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)
Photo taken on June 21, 2024 shows an area where a wildfire broke out in Diyarbakir province, Türkiye. The death toll from wildfires that ravaged southeastern Türkiye has climbed to 11, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca announced on his social media account on Friday. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua)