More than 50,000 people have been evacuated across five regions in Turkey due to wildfires, exacerbated by dry conditions and a heat wave blanketing multiple countries this week.
Fires are impacting Izmir, where most of the evacuations have occurred, but also in other areas, including Antakya, which was severely impacted by the devastating 2023 earthquakes that killed more than 50,000 people in Turkey and northern Syria, damaged infrastructure, and displaced thousands.
Hot and dry conditions are exacerbating wildfires, which often bring about a host of health conditions. Respiratory inflammation from particulates in the air can be particularly harmful for older adults, children, and people with underlying health issues. Conditions like asthma and COPD can also worsen with poor air quality, and health risks often mount for people evacuated from their homes, who may be cut off from essential medications needed to manage their health.
Direct Relief’s Response
Direct Relief has worked extensively in Turkey, including the 2023 earthquake response, and has provided more than $132 million in medical support to health-focused organizations in the country since 2015. The organization has provided more than $6 million in financial support to support emergency response and recovery in the country.
In response to current wildfires in Turkey, Direct Relief field medic packs, equipped with medical essentials for triage care outside of clinic walls, have been dispatched to Hatay, Manisa, and Izmir.
The packs are being distributed with the support of the group Needs Map. Direct Relief worked with AFAD, the Turkish Disaster and Emergency Management Authority, in advance of fire season to stage these packs for deployment when first responders need them most. Another shipment of 108 medical backpacks was staged for departure this week to support response efforts.
Direct Relief has medical staff in country coordinating with local health authorities. The organization will continue to respond to medical requests as they become known.
