The Dardanelles Strait has been closed to maritime traffic due to wildfires in Turkey, affecting shipping routes between Europe and Asia. Firefighting efforts continue amid strong winds and extreme heat conditions.
Wildfires Cause Closure of Dardanelles Strait, Impacting Maritime Traffic
Wildfires Cause Closure of Dardanelles Strait, Impacting Maritime Traffic
Forest fires trigger temporary shutdown of crucial waterway in north-western Turkey as firefighters battle blazes.
Wildfires in north-western Turkey have prompted the temporary closure of the Dardanelles Strait, a vital maritime route connecting Europe and Asia. The transport ministry announced the precautionary measure as forest fires spread dangerously close to the city of Canakkale, leading to the evacuation of local residents.
In response to the escalating situation, Turkish officials have mobilized firefighters and are utilizing specialized aircraft to combat the blazes. The Dardanelles Strait, alongside the Bosporus Strait, plays a critical role in international shipping, with nearly 46,000 vessels transiting the area last year alone.
According to local officials, strong winds and persistently high temperatures have contributed to the rapid spread of the wildfires, complicating firefighting efforts. Canakkale's provincial governor stated that operations continue from both ground and air to contain the threat.
Although the main airport in Canakkale is closed to passenger flights, it remains operational for firefighting and search-and-rescue missions. This summer has seen hundreds of wildfires erupt across Turkey, with earlier incidents resulting in the loss of lives among forestry and rescue personnel.
As extreme heat lingers, wildfires have also affected neighboring regions, including Greece, raising concerns over environmental and economic repercussions across the region.
