Thousands of tourists in Turkey were forced to evacuate Sunday after wildfires, which erupted last Wednesday, encroached on popular travel destinations, NBC reports.
Why it matters: More than 100 wildfires broke out near southern and western Turkey this week, with at least six people, including two firefighters, reported to have died in the fires.
- Five fires remain active near the coastal cities of Antalya and Mugla, per NBC.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited affected areas on Saturday, later saying the Turkish government would help cover rent for those impacted by the fires.
What they're saying: “We cannot do anything beyond wishing the mercy of God for the lives we have lost but we can replace everything that was burned," Erdogan said, per NBC.
- “We will continue to take all necessary steps to heal our nation’s wounds, compensate for its losses, and improve its opportunities,” Erdogan continued, per Aljazeera.
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