Latest news with #112Greece
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Anyone going to Greece given two day 'heat dome' alert
Fears of exceptional heat as Foreign Office updates advice amid wildfire concerns for British tourists The South of Europe is bracing for a Heat Dome, which is predicted to extend its reach to Greece, bringing with it heatwave conditions from Sunday, July 6, 2025. Early reports suggest that this heatwave will be relatively short-lived, but temperatures are expected to soar to a sweltering 42 or even 43 degrees Celsius next week. Wednesday, July 9, is set to be the toughest day, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. In some areas, such as Halkida in Evia, the mercury will hit 42 degrees Celsius. Following a brief respite with cooler than average temperatures, the heat is set to return with a vengeance, as a five-day heatwave is forecasted, with high temperatures lingering for several days. However, relief is in sight, with a significant drop in temperatures expected from Thursday, July 10. Open TV's meteorologist Klearhos Marousakis predicts a sharp rise in temperature from Monday to Thursday, July 7-11, due to a westerly current entering Greece, acting as a windbreak for the eastern mainland. He forecasts peak temperatures of 40 to 42 degrees Celsius around Tuesday and Wednesday next week. From Saturday, July 5, temperatures will gradually begin to climb as the meltemi (summer northern winds) depart the area and the pressure difference decreases. The very dry wind levels are expected to persist until Friday, July 5. READ MORE: Spanish 'Maldives' with crystal clear water you can fly to for £15 The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice - with concerns rising about an outbreak of wildfires in the dry country. It said: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location. "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly." To avoid starting wildfires: leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished do not light barbecues Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112. Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires: follow @112Greece for official updates follow the guidance of the emergency services call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK Meanwhile, Europe experienced its first major heatwave of the summer this week, with Barcelona recording its hottest June in over a century and Paris reaching scorching temperatures. The iconic Eiffel Tower was shut to visitors due to the heatwave. Health warnings were issued in several countries as the extreme heat persisted. Samantha Burgess, from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, stated that the unusually hot weather "is exposing millions of Europeans to high heat stress", with temperatures more akin to those usually seen in July and August. Barcelona's Fabra Observatory reported a record-breaking average temperature of 26C for last month, the highest since records began in 1914. The Observatory also noted a single-day high of 37.9C for June recorded on Monday. Barcelona typically avoids Spain's most intense heat due to its location between hills and the Mediterranean Sea. Ramon Pascual, a representative for Spain's weather service in Barcelona, told the Associated Press that the "very intense heatwave" is undeniably linked to global warming. Mr Pascual pointed out that the rising sea temperatures are not helping those living in the Mediterranean region, as they significantly reduce any cooling effects from nearby bodies of water. Spain's weather service reported that recent surface temperatures for the Mediterranean near the Balearic Islands are 5-6C above average. Spain's national average for June was 23.6C, which is 0.8C hotter than the previous hottest June in 2017. Madrid was expected to hit a sweltering 39C. In Paris, temperatures were predicted to reach a staggering 40C. The national weather agency, Meteo-France, placed several departments under the highest red alert. Over 1,300 schools were either partially or fully closed due to the heat. Visitors to the Eiffel Tower without tickets were left disappointed as the landmark closed due to the extreme heat. Visitors were advised to delay their plans as the summit was temporarily shut down until Thursday for "everyone's comfort and safety". Climate specialists are sounding the alarm, predicting that future summers could outdo all previous records, with scorching highs over 40C becoming an annual occurrence by the century's end. Italy's health ministry has reported a heatwave gripping 17 out of its 27 key cities. Florence felt the brunt of the heat on Tuesday, with mercury hitting 38C, leading to a city centre blackout due to a surge in power usage. Energy giant Enel confirmed that power was swiftly restored thanks to emergency systems. Tragedy struck near Bologna where a 46 year old construction firm boss succumbed while working on a school car park, with state broadcaster RAI attributing his collapse to the intense heat, pending autopsy results. In Soest, Netherlands, local fire services announced they'd be joining a water gun battle with a real fire hose, teasing on social media: "Bring your water pistol and swimming clothes with you, because you're guaranteed to get soaked!". Portugal's meteorological authority confirmed a record-breaking high for June in mainland Portugal, with Mora, west of Lisbon, scalding at 46.6C on June 29. Meanwhile, Turkey's firefighters are battling blazes for the third day running, leading to the evacuation of around 50,000 people.
The Herald Scotland
03-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Crete wildfires 2025 travel warning issued to UK tourists
The local fire department said 230 firefighters backed up by 10 water-dropping aircraft were battling the flames, which have burned through forest and farmland in the Ierapetra area on the island's southern coast. Several people were treated for breathing difficulties following the wildfire in Crete, officials said, but there were no immediate reports of serious injuries. While homes were reported to have been damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds. Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary, the coast guard added. Crete wildfire "very hard to contain," say officials 'It's a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it,' civil protection official at the regional authority, Nektarios Papadakis, told The Associated Press. 'The tourists who were moved out are all OK. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island." The fire service and a civil protection agency issued mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try to save their property. Do I need travel insurance? The risk of wildfires remains very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece on Thursday, according to a daily bulletin issued by the fire service. UK travel advice amid Crete wildfires Crete is one of Greece's most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists. Wildfires are frequent in the country during its hot, dry summers, and the fire department has already tackled dozens across Greece so far this year. The UK Government, via the foreign travel advice website, said: "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly." The government urged anyone planning on travelling to Crete to ensure their mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts warning of wildfires. Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed They also advised travellers to: Follow @112Greece for official updates Follow the guidance of the emergency services Call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger Contact your airline or travel operator, who can assist you with return travel to the UK For further information, see Greece's Civil Protection website. RECOMMENDED READING: The UK Government also warned that causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece, "even if unintentional". To avoid starting wildfires: Leave no litter, especially not glass, which is known to start fires Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished Do not light barbecues If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.
Glasgow Times
03-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Crete wildfires 2025 travel warning issued to UK tourists
A fast-moving wildfire assisted by gale-force winds burned through Greece's southern island of Crete on Wednesday night into Thursday morning (July 2 and 3), prompting the evacuation. The local fire department said 230 firefighters backed up by 10 water-dropping aircraft were battling the flames, which have burned through forest and farmland in the Ierapetra area on the island's southern coast. Several people were treated for breathing difficulties following the wildfire in Crete, officials said, but there were no immediate reports of serious injuries. While homes were reported to have been damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds. Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary, the coast guard added. Crete wildfire "very hard to contain," say officials 'It's a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it,' civil protection official at the regional authority, Nektarios Papadakis, told The Associated Press. 'The tourists who were moved out are all OK. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island." The fire service and a civil protection agency issued mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try to save their property. Do I need travel insurance? The risk of wildfires remains very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece on Thursday, according to a daily bulletin issued by the fire service. UK travel advice amid Crete wildfires Crete is one of Greece's most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists. Wildfires are frequent in the country during its hot, dry summers, and the fire department has already tackled dozens across Greece so far this year. The UK Government, via the foreign travel advice website, said: "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly." The government urged anyone planning on travelling to Crete to ensure their mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts warning of wildfires. Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed They also advised travellers to: Follow @112Greece for official updates Follow the guidance of the emergency services Call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger Contact your airline or travel operator, who can assist you with return travel to the UK For further information, see Greece's Civil Protection website. RECOMMENDED READING: The UK Government also warned that causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece, "even if unintentional". To avoid starting wildfires: Leave no litter, especially not glass, which is known to start fires Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished Do not light barbecues If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.
Daily Mirror
03-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits travelling to Greece issued emergency alert warning as wildfires spread
A major wildfire started on the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday and has spread rapidly, forcing 3,000 residents to be evacuated. The UK government has issued advice for travellers Thousands of people have been evacuated following terrifying Greek wildfires - as Brits travelling to the popular holiday destination are being urged to have "emergency alerts" on their phones. The advice comes after a major wildfire started on the Greek island of Crete on Wednesday and has spread rapidly, forcing 3,000 residents to be evacuated. Authorities said evacuations were ordered at three sites outside the port of Ierapetra on the island's south coast. Homes were reported damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds. More than 150 firefighters were operating in the area, while water-dropping planes and helicopters remained grounded overnight. Members of specialised units – often only working with hand tools – were creating hillside fire breaks to try and slow the advance of the blaze. "It's a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it," Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official at the regional authority said. "The tourists who were moved out are all okay. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island," he said. The Fire Service and a civil protection agency issued localised mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try and save their property. The fires lit up the night sky, cresting ridgelines and edging toward residential areas. Several residents were treated for breathing difficulties, officials said, but there were no immediate reports of serious injuries. The blaze sent clouds of ash into the night sky, illuminated by the headlights of emergency vehicles and water trucks that lined the coastal road near the resorts of Ferma and Achlia on the southeast of Crete. Meanwhile, the UK government has urged Brits travelling to Greece to ensure "your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location." UK government advice The UK foreign travel advice states: "There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Be cautious if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires: follow @112Greece for official updates follow the guidance of the emergency services call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
What is a tsunami - and what are the tell-tale signs?
Greek authorities issued a temporary tsunami warning this week after a earthquake measuring 5.9 on the richter scale struck off the island of Crete. The country's Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection posted on the 112 Greece account: "A magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred 48km southeast of Kasos. Risk of possible Tsunami in your area. Move away from the coast immediately. Follow the instructions of Local Authorities." The quake - which was felt as far away as Egypt - happened at a depth of 22 miles, near the island of Karpathos in the Mediterranean Sea, according to the Athens Geodynamic Institute. The warning was issued in the early hours of May 14, and no tsunami was recorded. Greece is among Europe's most earthquake-prone countries, and is located on a number of fault lines. Earlier this year, an unprecedented level of seismic activity shook the holiday island of Santorini for weeks. Tsunamis are giant waves caused by earthquakes or volcanic eruptions under the sea, and can also be triggered by large rock slides or meteorite impacts. The name 'tsunami' is a Japanese word meaning 'harbour wave'. Tsunamis can travel at hundreds of miles an hour, as fast as a jet aircraft, and are relatively small as they travel over the ocean, only losing speed and gaining height as they approach land. Tsunami waves can be hundreds of feet high, according to the British Geological Society. The British Geological Survey says: 'The wave only becomes dangerous when it approaches land because, due to bottom friction with the seabed, the speed decreases. This causes the wavelength to decrease too and, as it does so, the wave's elevation increases. "As it strikes land it can be tens, if not hundreds, of metres high. With these elevations the wave can be massively destructive.' Unlike earthquakes, experts tend not to use a standard 'scale' to warn of the size of a tsunami, instead looking at the location, magnitude and depth of the earthquake that caused the wave. Scales such as the Papadopoulos-Imamura tsunami intensity scale measure tsunamis, but tend to be less widely used than, for example, the Richter scale for earthquakes. Authorities issue warnings if tsunamis are likely to occur, based on recent earthquakes, but there are also 'natural tsunami warnings'. The US National Weather Service says that if you experience any one of the following warning signs, it could be a sign that a tsunami is incoming. The Weather Service says, 'Natural tsunami warnings include strong or long earthquakes, a loud roar (like a train or an airplane) from the ocean, and unusual ocean behaviour. 'The ocean could look like a fast-rising flood or a wall of water. Or, it could drain away suddenly, showing the ocean floor, reefs and fish like a very low, low tide.' Tsunami warnings are typically issued at the earliest moment, based on seismic information (i.e. at the moment when an earthquake that might trigger a tsunami is detected). The warning alerts the public that a tsunami may be on its way, and alert local emergency management officials to take measures such as evacuating areas or moving ships to deeper waters. Organisations such as UN's the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) work with governments to coordinate tsunami warnings. Most tsunamis (around 80% of them) happen within the geologically active area in the Pacific Ocean known as the 'ring of fire'. But tsunamis are not unknown in Britain, according to the British Geological Survey. The BGS writes, 'Here, 8200 years ago off Norway, a massive submarine landslide generated a tsunami that was up to 30m high when it flooded northern Britain. This tsunami is best recorded in Shetland by sediments deposited as the land was flooded. 'In southern Britain, in the Dover Straits in 1580, it is believed that a cliff fall of the Chalk cliffs north of Dover caused a tsunami that flooded the coast of France.' The IOC and UNESCO advise that people should get to higher ground or move inland if there is a tsunami warning, or signs of a tsunami. People are advised to head to the third storey of a concrete and reinforced building if they cannot get to higher ground, or climb a strong tree if a building is not available. If that fails, people are advised to look for something to use as a raft. The IOC and UNESCO advise that people should stay out of danger zones until an all-clear is issued as tsunamis can last for hours. Areas are at greater risk if they are less than 7 metres (23 feet) above sea level and within 2km (1.2 miles) of the coastline. The first tsunami wave is often not the largest, the IOC/UNESCO advise, and waves can move several hundred feet inland, travelling up rivers and streams and 'wrapping round' islands to impact coasts not facing the wave. The biggest tsunami ever recorded happened in Lituya Bay, Alaska in 1958 after an earthquake triggered a rock slide. An enormous mass of rock measuring 2,400 feet by 3,000 feet and estimated to weigh as much as 90 million tons crashed into Gilbert Inlet, unleashing a huge tsunami wave. The landslide generated what remains the tallest wave ever documented, reaching heights of up to 1,719 feet within the enclosed bay. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami remains the deadliest natural disaster of the 21st century and the worst tsunami disaster in history. Arriving on Boxing Day, an undersea earthquake triggered waves of up to 100ft high and killed an estimated 227,898 people.
