Turkey Issues Sunstroke Warnings Amid Heatwave

Health authorities in Turkey have raised alerts as a heatwave pushes temperatures above 40 °C in the Black Sea region. Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. M. Atakan Canbulat of Samsun Hospital warned that prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity can cause sunstroke, leading to organ damage or death if not treated promptly. He listed common symptoms such as high fever, dry skin, dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse and nausea, and urged immediate first‑aid measures: move the person to a cool, shaded area, remove excess clothing, apply cold compresses, give small sips of water to conscious victims, and avoid giving fluids to unconscious persons. Emergency services (112) should be called if fever does not subside or severe symptoms appear.

Chest‑Disease expert Prof. Dr. Tevfik Özlü, speaking from Trabzon, highlighted that the same extreme temperatures that have caused over 1,300 deaths across Europe are now affecting Turkey’s southern and western provinces. He emphasized that vulnerable groups—including people over 65, children under 5, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers—must limit sun exposure between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., stay in shade, wear hats, light breathable clothing, and consume about three litres of fluids per day, preferably mineral water, soups, or salty ayran. He also warned about the risks of indoor heat, advised against heavy meals, and reminded the public to call 112 immediately if sunstroke symptoms progress.