Syria Battles Devastating Wildfires Amidst War's Legacy and Climate Challenges

Syrian firefighters are battling severe wildfires amidst challenging conditions. They are contending with strong winds, high temperatures, and the lingering threat of unexploded ordnance from the country's prolonged civil war. These factors are significantly hindering their efforts to contain the blazes, which are among the worst in years.

The fires, which began the previous week, have proven difficult to control. Despite assistance from neighboring countries such as Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon, the Syrian teams are facing significant obstacles. The Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh, highlighted two particularly challenging locations in the coastal province of Latakia, where they have been focusing their efforts for two days.

While progress was made in containing a significant portion of the fires, the situation remains precarious. Explosions from leftover war ordnance and strong winds have contributed to the spread of the blazes. A large number of firefighting teams are actively working to combat the fires.

International support is also being provided. The Lebanese army has deployed helicopters to assist in the firefighting efforts, coordinating with Syrian authorities. Additionally, UN teams have been deployed to the Syrian coast to assess the damage and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs.

The eastern Mediterranean region frequently experiences summer fires. Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating the conditions that lead to these blazes. Furthermore, below-average rainfall during the winter has resulted in water shortages this summer, impacting the availability of drinking water for the population.