Enviro News Asia, Ercan – A Ka-32 firefighting helicopter deployed by Turkey to support forest fire operations in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was formally handed over at a ceremony at Ercan Airport, attended by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz and TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel.
Speaking at the ceremony, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı said the helicopter is capable of dropping 2.5 tonnes of water on fire zones and will remain in Northern Cyprus throughout the high-risk fire season.
“Just as we do in Turkey, we are deploying a helicopter here to protect the natural beauty of Northern Cyprus,” Yumaklı said. “We have placed the helicopter under the temporary assignment of the TRNC Forestry Administration. It will be here throughout the risk period, but this is not the only support available. When needed, we will continue to provide additional assistance from Turkey.”
The Minister also noted that beyond fire support, Turkey and Northern Cyprus will jointly review water infrastructure projects being carried out by Turkish state hydraulic works, including the Mesarya Plain irrigation project, which is expected to be completed in 2027, and a 207-kilometer drinking water system nearing completion.
“As always, under the coordination of the Vice Presidency and in line with their directives, we will continue to stand by our brothers and sisters on every matter concerning our Ministry,” Yumaklı said. (*)
