Turkiye: Response operations ongoing following wildfire in parts of Diyarbakir and Mardin provinces as of June 21

Emergency crews are responding to a wildfire affecting parts of southern Diyarbakir and northern Mardin provinces as of June 21. The fire broke out in an area between Cinar District in Diyarbakir and Mazidagi in Mardin. The blaze spread rapidly amid windy conditions, threatening the villages of Agacsever, Bagrik, Koksalan, and Yazcicegi in Diyarbakir and advancing toward Senyuva, Yetkinler, and Yucebag in Mardin. Firefighters have brought the fire under control as of early June 21; however, mopping-up efforts and damage assessments are ongoing. Authorities have reported eight fatalities and at least 44 others were injured in the fire. Hundreds of animals perished and areas of agricultural land were destroyed.

Lingering transport and business disruptions are likely in the affected area for the duration of the emergency response. The status of nearby roads will likely change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close further routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Authorities may cut off power to parts of the affected area to aid firefighting efforts.