In response to the forest fires currently spreading in the country, the Russian consulate general in Antalya advises Russian tourists to refrain from leaving the hotel premises whenever possible, the diplomatic mission told TASS on Tuesday.
"The consulate general is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular communication with local authorities and tour operators," it stated. "We are addressing the concerns of Russian citizens within our consular district, and ensuring they remain well-informed through emergency telephone communication. We provide guidance on relevant matters, update them on the current situation, and inform them about the measures being taken by the local authorities," the consulate general further added.
"Due to the ongoing fire incidents in certain remote and mountainous regions, we urgently advise our citizens to be extremely careful, stay informed about the situation and updates, and, if feasible, avoid going outside the hotel premises or walking in mountainous and forest areas during natural disasters," said the diplomatic mission. "In case of any emergency, we strongly recommend adhering to the instructions provided by local authorities and hotel management. It is crucial to have essential contact details for your tour operator, insurance service, and the nearest Russian embassy or consulate to facilitate emergency communication and timely notification of any exceptional circumstances," emphasized the mission.
According to the Russian consulate general in Antalya, Turkish authorities have provided assurances that the ongoing forest fires do not pose a threat to hotels and mass tourism facilities in the republic.
"The region has experienced abnormally hot weather since mid-July, with temperatures reaching as high as 48-50 degrees Celsius in certain areas. Consequently, the extreme heat and wind have resulted in various fires across forests, fields, and bushes in many counties of the Turkish Riviera. In response to the situation, the local authorities are implementing stringent fire safety measures around the most popular recreational areas. They are actively engaged in extinguishing the fires, employing up to one and a half thousand personnel, specialized equipment, and aviation resources," the consulate reported.
The diplomatic mission emphasized that, at present, the authorities have confirmed that the fire does not pose a threat to locations where hotels and mass tourism sites are situated.
The consulate general also reported that, "as of July 25, the area of Kemer was facing the most challenging situation amidst the ongoing forest fires."
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
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Based on materials from TASS