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Residents Flee as Wildfire Rages Near Athens Amid Relentless Heatwave

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Residents Flee as Wildfire Rages Near Athens Amid Relentless Heatwave

Residents of Varnavas, a town north of Athens, were forced to flee their homes on Sunday as a massive wildfire swept through the area, fueled by strong winds and scorching temperatures. Flames, some reaching up to 25 meters (80 feet) high, engulfed houses and properties, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

The fire brigade reported that firefighters were working tirelessly to evacuate residents trapped by the flames. A convoy of 20 to 25 vehicles attempting to escape the inferno was also escorted to safety by emergency services.

Since Saturday afternoon, Greece has been battling 40 wildfires, with seven still raging out of control. The situation has been exacerbated by the country’s ongoing heatwave, which has brought record-breaking temperatures throughout June and July.

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Vassilis Kikilias, Greece’s Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister, issued a dire warning about the continued threat posed by the extreme weather conditions. “We are facing a very dangerous situation. The combination of high temperatures and strong winds is creating an extremely volatile environment,” he said.

By Sunday evening, the wildfire in Varnavas had already scorched 100 square kilometers of land. Authorities issued an urgent evacuation order for residents in Varnavas and the nearby town of Grammatiko, urging them to leave immediately for their safety.

Fire Brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis emphasized the critical nature of the situation, noting that winds of up to 46 mph (8 Beaufort scale) were rapidly spreading the fire. “The fire is advancing toward Marathon Lake, and we are concentrating our efforts on controlling its flanks. In some areas, the flames are higher than 25 meters,” he said.

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A formidable force of 165 firefighters, supported by nine ground teams, 30 vehicles, seven firefighting aircraft, and five helicopters, has been deployed to combat the blaze. However, the strong winds have severely hindered the effectiveness of aerial firefighting efforts.

As night fell, the battle against the fire showed no signs of abating, with firefighters expected to work through the night under challenging conditions. Medical centers and hospitals in Athens were placed on high alert, as parts of the capital were enveloped in a cloud of brown smoke, a stark reminder of the ongoing crisis.

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Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel

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Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel

More than 60 people have been injured following a drone strike in northern Israel’s Binyamina region, according to emergency response organization United Hatzalah. The attack, claimed by Hezbollah, targeted a training camp of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.

The victims, whose conditions range from critical to mild, were evacuated to five regional hospitals via ambulances and helicopters. Israeli media reported that 67 people were injured in total, with four in critical condition and five others seriously wounded.

Hezbollah’s media office said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group used a “swarm of drones” in the attack, and reports suggest the low-level drones launched from Lebanon did not trigger Israel’s early warning alarms.

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Footage showed wounded individuals being rushed into emergency vehicles, including helicopters, as medical teams worked swiftly to provide care. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hadera, Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya, where medical teams are working to stabilize those in critical condition.

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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: ‘Don’t Go Sightseeing’

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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: 'Don't Go Sightseeing'

Although Hurricane Milton has passed, officials are warning residents across Florida to remain cautious as the storm’s lingering effects, including severe flooding, continue to pose risks. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, rescue teams have been hard at work after the river overflowed, causing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) of flooding. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, traveling by boat, has been ensuring the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.

While multiple Florida ports have reopened, including Key West, Port Everglades, and Miami, several remain closed, such as those in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. Georgia and South Carolina have also seen some port reopenings, but many areas still face closures and flooding risks.

President Biden provided an update on the storm’s damage, estimating the total cost to be around $50 billion. He emphasized that more financial aid would be necessary and called on Congress to approve additional funds as the true extent of the damage is assessed.

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Officials are also urging people to stay off the roads and avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas to prevent further accidents or fatalities. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” Biden said, stressing the long recovery ahead after Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just weeks earlier.

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Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake

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Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake

At least six people have died after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As emergency responders navigate floodwaters and clear debris from fallen trees and power lines, the full extent of the storm’s toll remains unclear.

In St. Lucie County, four people lost their lives after multiple tornadoes struck the region. In central Florida’s St. Petersburg, police chief Anthony Halloway confirmed two more deaths.

President Joe Biden addressed the nation, acknowledging the uncertain scope of the damage and the dangers that remain. He emphasized that while the storm has passed, the aftermath can often bring additional fatalities. “There’s still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden warned.

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He also stressed the need for substantial financial aid to support the state’s recovery. Biden called on Congress, currently in recess, to return and address the urgent emergency funding needs, underscoring that Florida’s recovery will be a “long haul” requiring billions of dollars in aid.

The president assured that immediate relief efforts are underway, ensuring that residents affected by the storm receive the support they need.

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