Latest World News: British tourist on Rhodes wildfires: Seas turned black, skies orange
It felt like the end of the world, a British tourist who escaped wildfires in Rhodes told Sky News, as extreme heat sparked a number of blazes in the area. The island’s countryside has been burning for five days, prompting the Greek government to evacuate 19,000 people – 16,000 by land and 3,000 by sea – marking the “largest evacuation ever from a forest fire in the country’s history”.
A number of places in the east of the island have been evacuated including three resorts while around 2,000 tourists have been evacuated from Kiotari and Lardos on the island’s southeast coast. Jet2 has canceled all its flights saying: We will fly these planes to Rhodes without customers on board, so we can continue to bring customers back to the UK on their scheduled flights. Tui has also canceled its flights, while Thomas Cook says it will cancel and refund all bank holidays in the Kiotari and Lardos areas.
What did the British tourist say about the wildfires in Greece?
Ian Murison from London was staying in the Kiotari area of Rhodes when he noticed dark clouds passing over his hotel. Two days later, while having breakfast on the beach, he noticed the orange sky again.
We noticed that the sea had started to turn black with soot and in fact people were coming out of the sea noticing ash falling on their heads. I can only describe it as an almost cinematic experience where everyone is looking at the sky when it’s a very strange orange color, and everyone is looking around and saying “what’s going on”, he said.
His family then began to pack when an evacuation notice sounded.
When we arrived there were only a few hundred people – there were a few cafes and bars and they served beers and soft drinks, and everyone was just happy, thinking “great, we walked away from the fire”. And then over the next few hours, the number of people in that area only grew and grew, and then as the light fell, people became more and more worried about how they were going to get out of it, he said.
It was literally like the end of the world. And the flames were now much more visible because of course it’s night and we couldn’t see that during the day. Suddenly, there were leaping flames in the sky, and the sky was completely orange in the distance – so this kind of panic happened, he continued.
His family got on one of the small boats that took people to bigger boats. There were still hundreds of people, maybe a thousand people, on the beach when we left it, and the place was littered with suitcases because they were throwing them from the boats, he said.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.