Today's Edition
SILOPI (AFP)
A choking heatwave left astonished locals in southeastern Turkiye calling for state help to pay their air conditioning bills after the temperature surged past 50C.
"We cannot cope with the heat," ice-cream maker Recep Esiyok, 59, told AFP in Silopi, where meteorologists measured 50.5C on Friday -- a national record.
"I've been living in Silopi for about 30 years. I've never seen such heat... I've never seen such heat anywhere."
He is getting through the heatwave thanks to the air conditioner in his shop, but is now worried about paying for the electricity.
"My bill last month was 59,000 lira (1,450 dollars). We are asking for state support on this issue."
Before Friday's record, the previous peak in Turkey had been 49.5C in August 2023.
Scientists agree that climate change caused by humans burning fossil fuels is increasing the likelihood, length and intensity of heatwaves.
The country is still in the grip of the heatwave and since Sunday temperatures overall have surged from six to 12 degrees above seasonal norms, according to the state meteorology directorate.
Turkiye has already fought fires in several regions since the start of the summer.
Last week, 10 people perished while fighting a fire in Eskisehir province.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday the country has experienced drier conditions than normal over the past five years as a result of global warming.
"Extreme heat, low humidity, and strong winds are unfortunately increasing the risk of fire," he said.
He said the state was using drones to monitor and protect forests.
Sweating in his kebab shop, a Silopi local, Cemil Seher, said that summers in Silopi last not three months, but five.
For Seher, 51, air conditioning is no longer a luxury but a necessity.
"AC is essential here as much as bread and water. When the air conditioners are running, the electricity bills are very high," he said, calling on authorities to offer discounts for businesses.
