‘It was raining ashes’: Thousands flee as wildfires devastate Turkish coast

Eight people have been killed and more than 10,000 evacuated after wildfires ravaged southern Turkey, in the latest extreme weather event to hit Europe this summer.

Almost 120 fires erupted in 32 towns, with most brought under control. However, authorities said that seven are still blazing in Marmaris, Manavgat and Bodrum, popular tourist destinations on the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts.

Forestry Minister Bekir Pakdemirli said fire crews were battling to extinguish all the fires.

“We are going through days when the heat is above 40C, where the winds are strong and humidity is extremely low,” he said. “We are struggling under such difficult conditions.”