In brief
The Dardanelles Strait, a crucial commercial waterway linking Europe and Asia, has been temporarily closed due to raging wildfires in nearby areas, prompting evacuations in the city of Canakkale as firefighters battle the blazes.
The Turkish transport ministry announced the closure of the Dardanelles Strait in response to intense wildfires affecting the region. As a precautionary measure, all maritime traffic has been halted to ensure safety amid the spreading flames. Local authorities reported that firefighters, along with aerial support from planes and helicopters, are actively working to contain the fire, which has been exacerbated by strong winds and hot, dry weather.The Dardanelles Strait connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara and is essential for international shipping, with nearly 46,000 vessels passing through in the last year. The wildfires have prompted widespread evacuations, and the main airport in Canakkale is closed to commercial flights, although firefighting operations continue from there. Turkey has faced a severe wildfire season this summer, with tens of thousands displaced and at least 10 forestry and rescue workers losing their lives in prior encounters with the flames in Eskisehir province. The situation remains critical as efforts to combat the blazes persist, amid ongoing extreme heat impacting the region.
