Syria is urgently seeking European Union assistance as massive wildfires continue to ravage the northwest for a sixth consecutive day, threatening lives, homes, and ecosystems.

Minister of Emergencies and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh made the plea on Tuesday, confirming that Cyprus is set to deliver emergency aid later today.

Fueled by strong winds and prolonged drought, the fires have overwhelmed Syria’s limited firefighting resources. Neighboring Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey have sent teams and equipment, but containment efforts are struggling. On Monday night, 25 families were evacuated from high-risk areas, with no human casualties reported so far, according to Saleh.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that nearly 5,000 people across 60 communities have been affected, with seven towns in Latakia province evacuated. Approximately 100 square kilometers of forest and farmland—over 3% of Syria’s forest cover—have been destroyed, exacerbating the country’s environmental and economic challenges.

Firefighting efforts are hindered by rugged terrain, lack of firebreaks, high winds, and landmines from Syria’s 14-year civil war. The crisis follows a UN warning last month of Syria’s worst climate conditions in over 60 years, with record heatwaves and drought intensifying the situation.

As climate-driven wildfires surge globally, Syria’s fragile post-conflict state underscores the urgent need for international support to prevent further devastation. (ILKHA)