Latest news with #EuroNews
Mint
19 hours ago
- Science
- Mint
Turkey Earthquake: Google's AEA miscalculated magnitude, issued only 469 major alerts
Google has acknowledged serious shortcomings in its Android Earthquake Alerts (AEA) system, which failed to provide adequate warnings ahead of the devastating earthquake that struck Turkey in February 2023, reported Euro News. Reportedly, the quake, one of the deadliest in the country's recent history, killed more than 55,000 people and injured over 100,000. Despite the system's potential to deliver high-level alerts to millions within the quake zone, the report suggests that only 469 'Take Action' notifications, designed to wake users and prompt immediate protective measures, were sent ahead of the initial 7.8-magnitude tremor. The disaster struck at 4:17 am local time, a time when most victims were asleep indoors. In contrast, around 500,000 people received the far less urgent 'Be Aware' notifications, the report added. These alerts, which do not override Do Not Disturb settings, are intended for minor tremors and do not prompt life-saving action. The failure has been attributed to the system's miscalculation of the quake's magnitude. At the time, the AEA initially estimated the shaking to be between 4.5 and 4.9 on the moment magnitude scale, vastly underestimating the actual seismic impact. The misjudgement severely limited the scope and intensity of alerts issued. Following scrutiny from the BBC and independent experts, Google reportedly admitted in a paper published inScience that there were flaws in its detection algorithms. It later ran a simulation of the event using its updated system, which it claims would have sent 10 million 'Take Action' alerts and 67 million 'Be Aware' notifications had the new version been active at the time. A second major quake later the same day saw a somewhat improved response from the system, with over 8,000 'Take Action' alerts sent and nearly four million 'Be Aware' notifications issued. However, experts argue that the damage had already been done and that the system's failure during the initial quake cost crucial seconds of warning. Elizabeth Reddy, assistant professor at the Colorado School of Mines, criticised the delayed transparency. 'I'm really frustrated that it took so long,' she said. 'This wasn't a minor incident, people died. And the warning system did not perform as needed.' The AEA operates independently of government-run warning services and functions using data from Android phones, which account for over 70 per cent of mobile devices in Turkey. Google has maintained that the system is meant to supplement national alert networks rather than replace them. Still, seismologists and emergency management experts warn that some nations may rely too heavily on Google's system, potentially neglecting the development of robust public warning infrastructure. 'Would some places make the calculation that Google's doing it, so we don't have to?' asked Harold Tobin, director of the Pacific Northwest Seismic Network. 'Transparency about its effectiveness is critical.'
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
'High risk' warning issued to holidaymakers travelling to Cyprus this summer
Cyprus is a popular tourist destination for British tourists, especially during the summer months. The Foreign Office has updated its travel advice for holidaymakers heading to Cyprus this summer. The island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea is popular with Brits, especially during the summer holidays. Over 1 million UK tourists visit Cyprus each year due to its stunning beaches, warm temperatures, rich history, and diverse landscapes. The country is currently experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures expected to soar above 40C most days. On Wednesday, Cypriot firefighters battled a huge wildfire which forced people living in at least four villages in the southern Limassol area to evacuate, according to Euro News. The Foreign Office posted an update on its website yesterday to warn travellers of the fires. It 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 so you should "be cautious" if you are in or near an area affected by wildfires and follow the guidance of the emergency services or call the Cyprus emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger, reports Liverpool Echo. According to forest fire statistics, nine out of 10 are caused by human activities, most of which is due to negligence. For this reason and in order to prevent forest fires, special attention is required when we visit forested areas and some basic rules are needed to be followed. Wildfires can start through natural events such as a lightning strike, or by human actions, such as sparks from a bonfire. However, it is often the weather conditions that determine how much a wildfire grows. A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in the wildland vegetation, often in rural areas. Wildfires can burn in forests, grasslands, savannas, and other ecosystems. They are not limited to a particular continent or environment. The warning comes after wildfires hit parts of Europe last month. Major heatwaves swept across Southern Europe and pushed temperatures above 40 degrees in many areas. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. These conditions were felt in countries including Italy, Spain, and Greece. Severe heat was recorded in Italy, Greece, Spain, and Portugal. For those with a Cyprus holiday booked, you should also be aware of ongoing hostilities in the region and between Israel and Iran. These could escalate quickly and pose security risks for the wider region. You should: monitor local and international media for the latest information be vigilant and follow the instructions of local authorities Demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may also be disrupted. The Foreign Office says: "Although there's no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals."
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Spanish hotspot's brutal 2-word warning as Brits threatened with £648 fine
As part of its 'Improve Your Stay' campaign, a blunt warning to tourists has been plastered across on billboards and buses across a Spanish city - reminding Brits of a little-know rule One of Spain's most popular cities has unleashed a brutal clampdown on tourists this summer. Last year, the country's iconic Costa del Sol witnessed a record-breaking 14.47 million visitors - a 3.17 per cent spike compared to 2023. Many of these holidaymakers, particularly those from the UK, would have opted to stay in Málaga, a coastal city situated in the Andalusia region renowned for its golden beaches, stunning architecture, and nearby proximity to the steep, stomach-churning gorge of El Chorro. However, the city has updated a list of 10 strict rules tourists must follow, as part of its 'Improve Your Stay' campaign, which first launched in 2024. These demands have now been displayed on buses, billboards and across social media, and are reportedly designed to 'ease tensions between tourists and residents' amid the string of recent protests. According to EuroNews, the brutal warning at the top of the list of golden rules is simple: "Dress completely." Tourists are also being urged to 'not be conspicuous' and to keep the noise down, especially at night when they're in residential areas. The fresh warning comes after Málaga controversially upped its fines for unsociable tourist behaviour, including public drunkenness, excessive noise, and wearing inappropriate clothing in public. Flouting these rules now risks a hefty €750 (approximately £649.05). Of course, wearing a bikini or swimming shorts while you're kicking back at the beach or taking a dip in the hotel swimming pool is absolutely fine. However, if you're caught roaming the streets topless, or in your swimming costume, you could find yourself in trouble. The clampdown follows a barrage of complaints from locals over tourists trolling the city streets - many of which are home to religious sites - without being covered up. So even if you're sweltering in 40C heat, make sure you're dressed appropriately. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has long warned Brits about the country's strict clothing laws, which many Brits are completely unaware of. In fact, it has a section dedicated to Spain's 'dress code' rules under its 'Safety and Security' page. "In some parts of Spain it's illegal to be in the street wearing only a bikini or swimming shorts," the FCDO states. "Being bare-chested is also illegal in some areas in Spain. You could be fined if you're caught wearing swimwear on the seafront promenade or adjacent streets." It's a similar situation over in the tourist-riddled hotspot of Algarve in Portugal, which is planning to fine tourists up to £1,250 if they're caught wearing a bikini, trikini, swimsuit and similar forms of swimwear outside of 'exempted areas'. These include seafront car parks, hotels, beaches, beach access points and swimming pools.
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Fresh Russian strikes kill 5, wound dozens in Ukraine as Putin rebels against Trump's ‘severe' sanctions threat
Russia launched further brutal drone attacks on Ukraine overnight Monday, wounding a 14-year-old girl and 'deliberately' targeting a university in a stunning act of rebellion against President Trump's threats of fresh sanctions and weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Five were killed and at least 43 injured, including four children, in attacks across Ukraine, the Kyiv Independent reported, citing regional authorities.. A 14-year-old girl, a university student, 19, and five members of staff were among the dozen injured during attacks on the northeastern city of Sumy. Separate attacks struck Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to the Kyiv Independent. 4 Russia launched fresh air strikes on Ukraine overnight, defying Trump's threats of new sanctions. AP Russia claimed that it had targeted Ukrainian military-industrial facilities on Monday, however, several residential buildings and medical sites were also hit with drone strikes, EuroNews reported. The deadly strikes came hours after Trump and NATO chief Mark Rutte announced further Ukraine arms deliveries on Monday, manufactured in the US and paid for by European members of the alliance. Trump also handed Putin a 50-day ultimatum to reach a peace deal or face 'very severe' economic sanctions. 4 Trump gave Putin 50 days to come up with a peace deal. AFP via Getty Images 'Putin's rationale behind conducting strikes only a few hours after President Trump's announcement of weapons sales to Europe is rooted in his commitment to continuing the war in Ukraine,' Angelica Evans, Russia analyst for Washington, DC-based think-tank the Institute for the Study of War, told The Post. 'The Russians are trying to project confidence in their ability to weather sanctions and keep advancing forward in Ukraine, and last night's strikes are another example of Putin's intransigence,' she added. 4 The Post's front page on Tuesday. Russia is making a summer push to break through the 600-mile frontline, stepping up its bombardment on Ukrainian cities to its highest level since the start of the war almost three and a half years ago. Putin's allies suggest he will use the September deadline to try and blitz his way through as much of Ukraine as he can, to strengthen his hand in future negotiations. 4 Five were killed and dozens wounded in Russian drone strikes across Ukraine. AP 'Oh, how much can change both on the battlefield and with the mood of those leading the US and NATO in 50 days,' senior Russian lawmaker Konstantin Kosachev said on social media, according to EuroNews. Evans warned that the chances of a peace deal being achieved in 50 days are highly unlikely. 'Putin is looking at the next 50 days the same way he's looked at the last six months — an opportunity to keep pushing along the frontline and striking Ukrainian cities while pretending to be interested in peace,' she said. 'It's highly unlikely we'll get a peace deal in 50 days solely because Putin still isn't interested in one. Until the West agrees to more significant sanctions that bring serious costs on the Russian economy and Ukrainian forces start taking territory back — a serious political and military cost for Putin — I don't think we'll see any movement on peace.' However, she said a fresh round of secondary sanctions affecting Russia and China could have an impact. 'If the Trump administration goes through with this plan, countries like China and India could start feeling the pressure and reflecting some of that back in their relations with Russia,' Evans said. 'Putin will try and convince Trump to abandon secondary sanctions because this could threaten Russia's ability to finance and continue the war if properly enforced. We know that Russia is relying on sanctions evasion and ongoing oil purchases from some of its allies to fund and supply this war, and secondary sanctions are a way to get at these channels.'
American Military News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- American Military News
Videos/Pics: France celebrates Bastille Day with major military parade
France celebrated Bastille Day on Monday with a major military parade and military jet flyovers in Paris. The country's Bastille Day celebrations are also expected to feature fireworks and a drone light show over the Eiffel Tower. According to Euro News, roughly 7,000 people were expected to march or ride in Monday's Bastille Day military parade on Champs-Élysées avenue in Paris. The outlet noted that Bastille Day, which is France's most prominent holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille fortress and prison on July 14, 1789, which marked the start of the French Revolution against France's monarchy. The Associated Press reported that French President Emmanuel Macron reviewed the French troops and lit the eternal flame under the Arc de Triomphe as part of the Bastille Day ceremony on Monday. In a video shared by Macron on X, formerly Twitter, French fighter jets can be seen flying over Monday's military parade, with the red, white, and blue colors of the French flag trailing behind. The French president also shared pictures from the military parade alongside the translated caption, 'Recognition, trust, and pride for our armies that defend our freedom.' Reconnaissance, confiance et fierté pour nos armées qui défendent notre liberté. — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 14, 2025 According to The Associated Press, France hosts a special guest each year for the Bastille Day celebrations. The outlet noted that this year's special guest was Indonesia. A video of Indonesian troops marching in France's parade and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto greeting Macron was shared on the French president's social media page. Terima kasih atas kehadiran Anda di hari perayaan nasional kami, sahabat @Prabowo. Saya sangat bangga melihat tentara Indonesia berbaris bersama pasukan kami. Saya masih menyimpan kenangan kuat dari kunjungan saya pada bulan Mei lalu, terutama saat berada di Akademi Militer… — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) July 14, 2025 The Associated Press reported that the Indonesian delegation in Monday's military parade included 200 traditional drummers. READ MORE: Videos: Army's 250th anniversary celebrated with Trump military parade Brig. Gen. Ferry Irawan, the commander of Indonesia's military delegation, told The Associated Press, 'For us as Indonesian people, this is a very important and historic military and diplomatic collaboration.' Pictures of the Indonesian delegation were shared by France Diplomacy. 'Indonesia is guest of honour at the French Bastille Day celebrations, with Indonesian troops opening the military parade,' France Diplomacy stated. 'This year, our two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.' #Indonesia is guest of honour at the French Bastille Day celebrations, with Indonesian troops opening the military parade. This year, our two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations 🇫🇷 🇮🇩 📸 : @ecpa_d — France Diplomacy 🇫🇷🇪🇺 (@francediplo_EN) July 14, 2025 In addition to the Indonesian troops, The Associated Press reported that Belgian and Luxembourg troops serving as part of NATO's force in Romania and Finnish troops serving as part of the United Nations force in Lebanon also were featured in Monday's military parade.
