Recent wildfires in southeastern Turkiye's Hatay province, which is still recovering from a devastating earthquake in February 2023, have created a climate of fear and dread among residents. People like Hatice Nur Yilmaz, who returned to Antakya during the flames, experienced panic reminiscent of their earthquake trauma. Since June, Turkiye has faced ongoing wildfires, with a significant outbreak in July resulting in casualties and displacement. The effects of the wildfires are particularly poignant for survivors, as they are reminded of the destruction and suffering from the earlier disaster.
"We looked at the sky confused at first. Smoke billowed from the mountains. The wind picked up and the flames kept rising," Yilmaz recounted, describing the same panic, the same suffocating fear.
"The darkening sky and thick, acrid smoke carried by scorching winds filled residents of Turkiye's Hatay province with dread. It was like waking up, but you're back in a nightmare," said Hatice Nur Yilmaz.
"Turkiye has been battling wildfires since the end of June, but a particularly bad outbreak at the start of July has killed at least three people and displaced more than 50,000 others."
"Antakya is still rebuilding following the earthquake when the fires broke out in Hatay, and, despite the home being untouched this time, it brought back some of the scars of the past."
Collection
[
|
...
]