The northeasternmost province of Türkiye, Kars, experienced continued adverse weather conditions today, with thunderstorms and snowfall prevailing in the region. In Ağadeve village, residents ventured into the pastures to check on their animals despite the inclement weather. While seeking refuge from the rain in a shepherd’s hut and enjoying tea, they were startled by a lightning strike that occurred nearby. The lightning, captured on mobile phone cameras, struck just a meter away from them, prompting fear and a close call with disaster. Residents resorted to chanting takbir to calm their nerves and overcome their fear of the storm.
Türkiye has faced a major fire crisis in 2025, with 3,044 fires recorded in the first six months—1,305 in forest areas and 1,739 outside forests. Alarmingly, 624 fires broke out in just the past week. Aerial firefighting teams responded with 16,035 sorties by helicopters and planes to battle the widespread blazes in western Türkiye.