More than 19,000 evacuated as wildfires continue to rage in Greece

Latest World News: More than 19,000 evacuated as wildfires continue to rage in Greece

Wildfires continued to rage on the Greek island of Rhodes, forcing more evacuations as the firefighting front was reinforced by land and air.

As a precaution, a total of 19,000 people were evacuated from the burned areas on Sunday evening, making it the largest evacuation operation ever carried out during a fire in Greece, Xinhua news agency quoted police as saying.

Authorities and volunteers on the ground provided safe shelter for evacuees in gymnasiums, conference centers, schools and public places, as well as food, water and medical assistance.

At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs activated the Crisis Management Unit to facilitate the evacuation of foreign citizens in Greece due to the ongoing forest fires and a help desk was set up at the island’s airport to help with the embassies concerned.

Greek authorities have placed the southern part of the island in a state of emergency as firefighters battle wildfires on three fronts in the south, center and north of the island for the sixth consecutive day.

The forest fire broke out on July 18.

A total of 266 firefighters with 49 tankers and 16 ground crews were operating against the blaze, assisted by five sprinkler helicopters and 10 aircraft, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

Greece is experiencing its worst heat wave in decades with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius. Extremely high temperatures, combined with humidity levels, increase the risk of fires starting and spreading.

According to the fire forecast map released by the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, there is a very high fire risk (risk category 5 and 4) for many places across the country on Monday, including Attica, Euboea, the North and South Aegean islands and Crete.

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The above article was published from a telegraphic source with minimal changes to the title and text.

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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.