Residents of Tur Abdin battle fires amid severe thunderstorms

TUR ABDIN — Fires erupted once again in the lands of Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) villages in the region of Tur Abdin in southeastern Turkey after lightning struck an agricultural field on Wednesday. Residents acted swiftly to extinguish the flames, preventing further devastation.

Heavy rains and severe thunderstorms, accompanied by strong winds, swept through Tur Abdin this week, significantly increasing the risk of fires in the region’s agricultural lands. As is common during this season, dry trees and crops fueled the rapid spread of the flames.

A lightning strike ignited a fire in the lands of Mount Izla, which spread toward the village of Saydari. Residents from Saydari and the neighboring village of Arkah immediately organized a firefighting effort. With immense effort and determination, approximately 30 to 50 young men fought the blaze for three hours before successfully bringing it under control.

A video shared by the news platform Mzizah News captured the gratitude of locals, who acknowledged the support of the Syriac (Aramean–Assyrian–Chaldean) diaspora community. Years earlier, this community contributed to the procurement of firefighting equipment and machinery, which proved crucial in combating fires in Tur Abdin’s villages.

The incident highlights the persistent challenges faced by the region’s residents in safeguarding their lands from recurring natural disasters.