Latest World News: Greece faces another heat wave as wildfires rage – World – DAWN.C
Greece braced for another round of high temperatures on Tuesday as wildfires raged across several popular tourist islands, forcing mass evacuations.
In the capital, Athens, the mercury is expected to soar to 41 degrees Celsius and reach up to 44C in central Greece, according to national meteorologist EMY.
Many parts of the country were on red alert, meaning there is an extreme risk of dangerous wildfires exacerbated by high winds.
The hot weather comes after a weekend of intense heat as thousands of locals and tourists fled wildfires on the Greek islands of Rhodes and Corfu, with the prime minister warning the heat-stricken nation is at war with the blazes.
Authorities evacuated nearly 2,500 people from the Greek island of Corfu on Monday, after tens of thousands had already fled fires on the island of Rhodes, with many frightened tourists rushing home on evacuation flights.
More than 260 firefighters were still fighting the flames for an eighth consecutive day in Rhodes, supported by two helicopters and two planes.
Fires were also raging on the second largest Greek island of Euboea, where Greek civil protection authorities issued a night evacuation order in a northern locality.
Mercury hit 46.4C in Gythio on the southern Peloponnese peninsula on Sunday, but fell short of the nationwide hottest temperature on record of 48C.
We are at war and we are focusing exclusively on the fire front, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament on Monday.
He warned that the country still faces three tough days before the high temperatures are expected to ease.
Protect our home
The severe heat wave in Greece also affected much of southern Europe and northern Africa.
In Algeria, at least 34 people died as wildfires raged through residential areas, forcing mass evacuations.
In southeastern France, authorities issued a highest-level fire alert in the Bouches-du-Rhône region on Monday, warning that weather conditions make the risk of fires very high compared to normal summers.
Exceptional temperatures in Greece have forced key tourist sites such as the Acropolis of Athens to close during the hottest hours of the day.
Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s civil protection minister, said crews fought more than 500 fires across the country for 12 consecutive days.
The fires are particularly devastating on very touristy islands such as Rhodes and Corfu where the season is in full swing and where hotels are often full.
Volunteers had come to the aid of foreign tourists in the north of the island where nearly 200 people are still camping in a school after being evacuated from the fires on Saturday.
School principal Kyriakos Kyriakoulis told AFP that dozens of local volunteers and school staff had come forward to help those stranded.
I can’t believe they are so kind, they have given so much in every way, said Christine Moody, a 69-year-old British tourist, who was on her first holiday in Greece when the fires broke out.
I am very moved, she said.
In the village of Vati in the southeast of the island, local mayor Vassilis Kalabodakis said the impact on the region was tragic.
The village has been ordered to evacuate but we cannot abandon it, he said. We fight to protect our home.
Scientists from the group World Weather Attribution said on Tuesday that the heat waves that hit parts of Europe and North America this month would have been nearly impossible without human-induced climate change.
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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.