Environmental Disaster Declared Due to Fire at Gungor Waste Dump

Environmental organizations and medical associations in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) are sounding the alarm over a fire at the Gungor waste disposal site. The thick smoke emanating from the landfill contains toxic substances, posing a serious health threat to the local population. Environmentalists are urging authorities to take immediate action to protect public health.

In a joint statement, the groups emphasized that the situation has become a chronic public health crisis, with the harmful effects on both the environment and human health largely being ignored. Experts warn that the smoke from the landfill could contain heavy metals, dioxins, furans, carbon monoxide, particulate matter, and other toxic chemicals. These substances can trigger symptoms like headaches, eye irritation, and throat discomfort.

The air pollution is especially harmful to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions.

"The risk of fire and the spread of smoke at the Gungor waste disposal site must be urgently addressed using scientific methods. The negligence and irresponsibility that led to this public health crisis must be exposed, and those responsible should be held accountable," the statement said.

The authors of the appeal also called for regular medical check-ups for residents in the affected area and for the implementation of a sustainable waste management policy that would safeguard both the environment and public health in the long run.

The statement was signed by the Cyprus Turkish Medical Association, the Cyprus Turkish Pharmacists Association, the Cyprus Turkish Medical Chamber, the Cyprus Turkish Dental Chamber, the Cyprus Turkish Doctors Union (Tıpİş), the Association of Freelance Doctors, the Chamber of Urban Planners, Bio-Der, the Green World Movement, the Patients’ Rights Association, the Lefke Environmental Protection and Advocacy Association, and the KEMA Foundation.

It’s worth noting that the fire at the Gungor solid waste disposal site was reported at the end of last week. The landfill, which was built in 2013 with EU funding, is nearing its full capacity, and fires have become more frequent in recent years.