Minister Işıkhan Offers Condolences in Diyarbakır and Mardin Following Devastating Fire
Minister of Labor and Social Security Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan paid a visit to the families of those who lost their lives in the recent wildfires in Diyarbakır and Mardin.
Prof. Dr. Işıkhan extended his condolences to the relatives of the deceased in Yaz Çiçeği Village, Köksalan Village, and Mazıdağı, where he prayed for Allah’s mercy upon the victims of the fires that broke out in Diyarbakır and Mardin.
Highlighting the severity of the disaster, Işıkhan mentioned, “We have lost 15 lives in Diyarbakır and Mardin. Currently, 78 citizens have been affected by the fire, with two under medical treatment. I wish a speedy recovery to our injured brothers. The fire, which started on Thursday in Diyarbakır’s Çınar district, unfortunately spread to Mazıdağı due to the wind, impacting a large area. Immediately after the fire started, our governorates coordinated an instant response, involving AFAD, UMKE, and Provincial Directorates of Agriculture and Forestry.”
The minister also discussed the ongoing damage assessment operations for lost livestock and damaged farmland, saying, “Our efforts are ongoing, and the state is here. The fire was addressed from the outset by all state institutions. The state provided urgent financial aid to the affected citizens. However, damage assessments continue. Appropriate support and interventions will be carried out through our governorates as the situation evolves.”
Switching to the immediate response efforts, Işıkhan emphasized, “In Mardin, 86 vehicles and 451 personnel; in Diyarbakır, 94 vehicles and 557 personnel immediately responded to the fire.”
Işıkhan further remarked, “As a brother born in these lands, I came here to not leave our citizens alone. I will convey our President’s condolences to the families. We’ll stand by them and identify their needs. Our state, our Governor, and our deputies are all here. Together, we will heal these wounds. I wish quick recovery for the injured and pray for Allah’s mercy on the 15 lives we lost. May Allah spare us from such disasters in the future.”
Emphasizing the necessity of caution, Işıkhan warned, “We need to be more attentive as we approach July and August, a period when such fires are likely to occur.”
Concluding his remarks, the minister pointed out that investigations into the fire’s cause are ongoing, stating, “Of course, anyone found to be at fault or negligent will be held accountable by our prosecutors and legal experts. After damage assessment, we must swiftly support and heal the wounds of the affected citizens.”
Prof. Dr. Vedat Işıkhan
Minister of Labor and Social Security