by & nbspgavin Blackburn & nbspwith & nbspAP
It’s published
Syrian authorities on Tuesday called for help in fighting the massive wildfires spreading across the northwest coast for six consecutive days.
“Communication with the European Union has also been established, and there is a possibility of air support from Cyprus to strengthen efforts to disappear,” wrote Emergency and Disaster Management Minister Lead Sale in a post on X.
“We face significant on-site challenges, particularly heavy-duty terrain, absence of fires, active winds, my remains and the presence of misfires.”
Since the beginning of July, Syrian civil defense has responded to 334 wildfires across the country, most of which are concentrated in Latakia and followed by Tartus, writing about X.
The fire, which began last week, has proven difficult to be under control despite reinforcements from Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon, who came to the country to help Syrian teams fight the flames.
On the second day of the fire, firefighters managed to control 90% of the wildfires, but the rest of the war weapons and the explosion of strong winds helped spread the fire again.
Currently, 120 teams are fighting the fire.
On Monday, Lebanese forces said they had dispatched two helicopters to work with Syrian authorities to support their crew.
Over the weekend, UN teams will be deployed on Syrian coasts where they are conducting urgent assessments to determine the extent of the damage.
“The UN team is conducting urgent assessments to determine the size of the disaster and identify the most pressing humanitarian needs,” Adam Abdelmoula, UN residents and humanitarian coordinator in Syria, said in a statement.
“The United Nations will continue to reunite solidarity with the Syrian people at this critical moment, making sure no one is left in response and recovery efforts.”
Summer fires are common in the eastern Mediterranean region. There, experts warn that climate change is getting stronger and that it will lead to flames.
Also, below average winter rainfall has resulted in many Syrians suffering from water shortages this summer, as springs and rivers supplying drinking water to many of their normal population are dry.
