Turkey is facing its worst drought in more than half a century, with rainfall dropping 27 percent below the 30-year average, according to the Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM).

From October 2024 to August 2025, precipitation averaged 401.1 mm, compared to 548.5 mm in previous decades. Southeastern Anatolia saw rainfall fall by over 60 percent, while reservoirs in the west dropped to just three percent of normal levels.

The country also endured record heat, with July the hottest in 55 years and Silopi hitting 50.5°C. Adana recorded its hottest day in 95 years at 47.5°C, worsening wildfires and water shortages.

The drought has devastated agriculture, threatening exports like apricots, figs, and hazelnuts. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan estimated farm losses at 23 billion lira ($557 million) and promised aid for uninsured farmers.

Experts warn that 88 percent of Turkey faces desertification risk, with rainfall projected to drop by a third and temperatures rising by up to 6°C by the century’s end.

The post Turkey Endures Worst Drought in 50 Years appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Turkish Minister of Forestry, Ibrahim Yumakli, confirmed the deaths and said 14 others were injured and receiving treatment at local hospitals. According to him, the fire took a deadly turn after a sudden shift in wind direction trapped the crew in a heavily forested zone.

“The wind suddenly changed direction, causing the flames to shift rapidly and surround the forest workers,” Yumakli stated during a press briefing. “Despite their best efforts, the team was overwhelmed by the intensity and speed of the fire.”

The latest fatalities raise Turkey’s wildfire death toll to 13 so far this year, as the country grapples with increasingly volatile fire conditions. Yumakli noted that persistent heatwaves, severe drought, and gusty winds have created a perfect storm for widespread forest fires.

As of Wednesday evening, firefighting teams were tackling seven active blazes across various provinces. Yumakli issued a nationwide warning, urging all citizens to remain alert. “Starting tomorrow, we are facing extraordinary temperatures and extreme wind shifts. Once again, I call on all 86 million citizens to be vigilant and exercise extra caution,” he said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, acknowledging their sacrifice in defense of Turkey’s natural heritage. “They gave their lives to protect our forests. Their bravery will never be forgotten,” the president said in a statement posted on social media.

Meanwhile, Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc announced the launch of a formal investigation into the Eskisehir incident, with two prosecutors already assigned to determine the cause and assess any possible lapses in safety procedures.

The country has been in a heightened state of alert since wildfires first broke out on June 26. Earlier this month, three additional lives — two forestry officials and an elderly resident — were lost during a separate blaze in Izmir’s Odemis district.

With conditions expected to worsen in the coming days, Turkish authorities are calling for heightened preparedness and urging the public to avoid activities that could inadvertently spark new fires. The origin of the Eskisehir blaze remains unknown, but officials are not ruling out human error or negligence.

Emergency services continue to work around the clock, deploying helicopters, water tankers, and specialized ground crews to contain the infernos before they spread further into populated areas.

The post Ten Dead as Wildfire Claims Firefighters, Rescuers in Northwest Turkey appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

Turkey has launched a new affordable housing scheme targeting low-income earners and first-time buyers to help reduce inflationary pressures caused by rising rents and support the housing sector.

Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz announced that the state housing agency, TOKİ, would manage the project, which will begin with the construction of 250,000 homes by mid-year.

To participate in the scheme, buyers must provide a 10% deposit and can repay the loan over a term of up to 20 years, with capped repayments. Eligibility is limited to individuals earning TL45,000 ($1,265) per month or less, which is about twice the current minimum wage.

Those who already own a house or have a spouse who does are excluded from the programme, addressing concerns that previous housing projects were being exploited by investors building multiple property portfolios.

The project will be implemented across all 81 provinces of Turkey, with a focus on urban areas with the highest demand. Contractors will be required to build energy-efficient homes using climate-friendly materials that are zero-waste compatible.

 

Economists predict that the introduction of 250,000 homes could reduce rental prices by up to 10% if all units are launched simultaneously, representing about 3-4% of the rental market. However, some experts, including real estate economist Dr. Ahmet Büyükduman, argue that a gradual rollout may not have the desired effect on inflation or rent prices.

In addition to the housing scheme, high rental costs were highlighted by Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek as a key issue affecting the Turkish economy. Some economists suggest that providing incentives to the private sector, such as tax relief on housing with limited floor space, could be a more effective solution to Turkey’s housing shortage.

The post Turkey Launches Affordable Housing Scheme to Tackle Rising Rent Prices appeared first on Housing TV Africa.