Turkish insurers make plans to tackle wildfire damages
The Insurance Association of Turkey (TSB) is taking measures to mitigate the damages caused by fires that occurred last week in several parts of the country
The TSB's board of directors held an emergency meeting on 30 July to deliberate action on the fire disasters, reported Insurance Gazette.
Minister of Forestry and Agriculture Bekir Pakdemirli said that the fires began in 32 provinces from 28 July onwards. More than 100 wildfires have been brought under control in Turkey. The wildfire death toll stands at eight at least, with hundreds injured and thousands evacuated from their homes.
Arson not ruled out as cause
The Turkish authorities are investigating the causes of the fires and have not ruled out arson. However, experts have pointed to climate change and increase in temperatures as a reason. A heatwave across southern Europe has led to wildfires across the Mediterranean, including Italy and Greece.
Wildfires are common in southern Turkey in the summer, but authorities say the latest fires have covered a much bigger area than usual.