Latest news with #EuropeanUnionCivilProtectionMechanism
The Star
6 days ago
- Climate
- The Star
Estonian rescuers deployed to help Spain combat wildfires
TALLINN, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The first Estonian rescue team was deployed to Spain to combat wildfires on Friday, with a second team scheduled to depart on Aug. 17. Each team consists of 20 rescuers. This year, Spain has already experienced over 3,300 wildfires, which have affected more than 20,000 hectares of forests and natural areas. One of the largest fires occurred in mid-July in the province of Tarragona (Catalonia), where flames scorched over 3,200 hectares and impacted the habitat of around 18,000 people. Three people lost their lives in the blaze, including one firefighter. Estonian rescuers also assisted with wildfire suppression efforts in Spain in August of last year. The first team will operate in the Castilla-La Mancha region from Aug. 1 to 16, and the second will work in Galicia from Aug. 17 to 30. Half of the team members participated in last year's mission, while the other half are new and lack prior experience in such operations. In recent years, summer wildfires have become a serious issue in Southern Europe, and teams from other nations were brought in to assist, with coordination through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.
The Star
26-07-2025
- Climate
- The Star
Greece requests EU assistance as wildfires rage across country
ATHENS, July 27 (Xinhua) -- Greece on Saturday requested assistance from the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism to combat multiple wildfires raging across the country, according to local broadcaster Mega Channel. The request includes six water-dropping aircraft to help battle five to six major wildfire fronts burning simultaneously in various regions of the eastern Mediterranean nation. The EU mechanism has reportedly approved the request, Mega Channel reported. The most concerning blaze erupted early Saturday afternoon near Kryoneri, a village north of Athens at the foothills of Mt. Parnitha. A firefighting force of 145 personnel, supported by 44 vehicles, as well as numerous volunteers and municipal water tankers, was deployed to the area. At least 17 firefighting aircraft operated until nightfall, according to Greek news outlet To Vima. Wildfires were also reported earlier Saturday on the Aegean island of Kythira, in Messinia prefecture in the southern Peloponnese, in the central part of Evia Island, at the Temenia site in Chania prefecture on Crete, and later in the Molaous district of Laconia in southeastern Greece. Authorities said the fire north of Athens appeared particularly threatening by dusk. The same area has experienced major wildfires in the past, most recently in August 2021.
See - Sada Elbalad
24-07-2025
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
2 Dead in Wildfires in Cyprus
Israa Farhan A devastating wildfire in southern Cyprus has claimed the lives of two people and forced the evacuation of hundreds, as extreme heat and strong winds fueled the spread of the blaze. The fire erupted on Wednesday near the wine-producing region north of Limassol, destroying homes and threatening entire communities. Authorities confirmed that at least 100 square kilometers of land have been scorched. The bodies of two individuals were discovered inside a burnt-out vehicle, apparently trapped by the advancing flames. Police reported that at least 10 others have sustained injuries, including two in critical condition. The blaze comes as Cyprus faces one of its most severe heat waves in recent years. Temperatures peaked at 43°C (109.4°F) on Wednesday, prompting a red weather warning. A further alert was issued on Thursday, with forecasts predicting a high of 44°C, the hottest temperature recorded in the country so far this year. Fire Department spokesperson Andreas Kettis highlighted the challenging conditions faced by emergency services, stating that intense and unpredictable wind gusts have significantly hindered firefighting efforts. While the exact cause of the wildfire remains under investigation, Cypriot officials say it is still too early to provide a detailed assessment of the full extent of the damage. Cyprus has formally requested international assistance through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. Spain is expected to deploy two firefighting aircraft on Thursday, according to government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis. Jordan has also pledged support in battling the rapidly spreading fire. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
