Diyarbakır survivors narrowly escape fiery disaster
A devastating stubble and cover fire that started in the rural Köksalan District of Diyarbakır’s Çınar district on June 20 at around 22:15 has left a trail of destruction in its wake. The fire quickly spread to neighboring areas such as Bağacık and Yazçiçek districts, as well as Yücebağ, Yetkinler, and Şenyuva districts in Mardin’s Mazıdağı district. Tragically, 12 individuals lost their lives, and 78 people were affected by the fire, which erupted for unknown reasons.
Survivors of the disaster in Diyarbakır recounted the harrowing events that unfolded that fateful night. Şemdin Demir, who lost 9 of his relatives in the fire, described how he and his family members rushed to Köksalan District to help extinguish the flames. However, the ferocity of the fire, fueled by strong winds, made it impossible for them to control the situation. The flames spread rapidly, trapping many shepherds and villagers in their path.
“If they could have run 40 more meters, they would have been saved,” Şemdin Demir lamented, highlighting the tragic consequences of the fire’s speed and intensity. The fire spread from hill to hill, propelled by the strong winds, engulfing everything in its path within minutes.
Davut Demir, the older brother of one of the injured survivors, shared his experience of narrowly escaping the flames. He described how the wind constantly changed direction, making it difficult to predict the fire’s movements. Many individuals found themselves surrounded by flames, with some resorting to climbing onto electric poles to escape the heat.
The community is now mourning the loss of their loved ones, with nine close relatives buried side by side. The injured survivors, including Davut Demir’s brother Abdurrezak Demir, are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Abdurrezak Demir’s quick thinking and actions saved his life, as he managed to escape the flames by throwing himself into an onion field.
The aftermath of the fire serves as a grim reminder of the destructive power of nature and the importance of being prepared for such disasters. The affected communities will need support and assistance to recover from this tragic event and rebuild their lives.
