Thermometers hit 49 degrees: Air conditioners left helpless

The sweltering temperatures affecting the Cizre district of Şırnak have brought life in the district to a near standstill. With thermometers hitting 49 degrees, the number of people on the streets and avenues has dwindled to almost nothing during the day. During the hours when temperatures peak, residents prefer to stay in their workplaces or homes rather than go outside.

It is reported that even the air conditioners used in workplaces are unable to provide sufficient cooling in the face of this extreme heat. Shopkeepers are trying to protect themselves from the heat throughout the day and prefer to wait for the evening hours.

Those working in shops and businesses are essentially fighting against the heat. Doner kebab chef Sipan Kümür described the difficulty he faces, saying, "We are used to the heat; it is 49 degrees outside and 80 degrees inside, but the heat from the doner grill is better than the heat outside. We are used to the doner heat, but we haven't gotten used to the Cizre heat. May God grant ease to those working in this heat."

Another doner chef, Serdar Elçin, pointed to the inadequacy of the air conditioning units in their workplaces, stating, "We need at least 4 air conditioners in our workplace, but unfortunately, they aren't working because of this heat, so we cannot cool down."

Speaking in a similar vein, Yunus Rahat emphasized the impact of the hot weather on work routines, saying, "No one can withstand this heat. We work in shifts with our master to cool off. But even air conditioners cannot withstand these temperatures."