News & Reports

Greek authorities have issued high fire risk warnings for multiple regions as firefighters battle large-scale wildfires fueled by strong winds. Active blazes in Achaia, Chios, Preveza, and Zakynthos have destroyed homes, farmland, and factories, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate. Hospitals, including the Karamandaneio Children’s Hospital in Achaia, are being evacuated as a precaution. On Chios, power outages are expected to last days in several villages after 150 electricity poles were destroyed. Over the past 48 hours, approximately 10,000 hectares of land have burned nationwide.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Avoid non-essential travel to wildfire-affected areas and follow all local evacuation orders. •⁠ ⁠Monitor updates from the Hellenic Fire Service: https://www.fireservice.gr •⁠ ⁠Prepare for potential power outages; keep water, non-perishable food, and essential medications accessible.  

A wildfire burning since Tuesday has severely damaged the electricity network in northwestern Chios, destroying at least 150 power poles. Restoration to Volissos is expected to take three to four days, while coastal settlements and villages such as Parparia and Potamia may face power outages lasting over a week. Active fire fronts continue to threaten the area, with 40 DEDDIE technicians from northern Greece assisting local crews in repair efforts.   Advice: •⁠ ⁠Prepare for prolonged outages by securing backup lighting, charging devices in advance, and storing perishable food appropriately. •⁠ ⁠Follow guidance from local authorities and avoid entering wildfire-affected areas. •⁠ ⁠Monitor updates from the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (https://deddie.gr/en/) for restoration timelines.  

Thousands have been evacuated as wildfires sweep across Spain during a heatwave and strong winds, resulting in at least two deaths. Six major fires, particularly in Castile and León, remain uncontrolled, with over 5,000 residents fleeing. Fires have reached Madrid's outskirts and affected around 10,000 hectares in Ourense, Galicia. Fire danger levels are forecasted to be high to very extreme in Castile and León and Andalusia, and high to very high in Galicia for the next 48 hours.   Advice: - Avoid travel to fire-affected or nearby rural areas. - Keep windows and doors closed; use masks or cloth coverings outdoors to limit smoke exposure. - Be prepared for evacuation and have essential items ready. - Expect road closures, evacuations, and potential rail or air travel disruptions. - Report wildfire signs (smoke, flames) to emergency services immediately (112).  

Typhoon Podul swept through southern Taiwan with winds up to 191 km/h, forcing the cancellation of all domestic flights and 129 international routes. China Airlines and EVA Air suspended flights from Kaohsiung and some from Taoyuan. Several Hong Kong-Kaohsiung flights were also canceled or delayed. Passengers are advised to check flight status before heading to the airport.   Advice: - Check your flight status frequently via the airline’s website or app before traveling to the airport. - Be prepared for possible rebooking or overnight stays; have essentials and any needed medications with you. - Follow updates from Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau  and updates from the Kaohsiung airport.  

Wildfires in Greece have claimed at least three lives and prompted the evacuation of thousands since Tuesday. Fueled by strong winds and extreme heat nearing 40°C, the fires are affecting areas near Patras and the islands of Zakynthos and Chios. In West Achaia, 20 villages have been evacuated, and alerts are in place for two more. The European Forest Fire Information System warns of very high to extreme fire danger across western Greece in the next 48 hours.   Advice: - Avoid travel to affected or nearby forested areas, including Patras, Zakynthos, and Chios. - Keep windows and doors closed to reduce smoke exposure; use masks or cloth coverings if outdoors. - Have an evacuation bag ready with essentials. - Prepare for transport disruptions, including ferry delays or cancellations. - Report wildfire signs (smoke, flames) to emergency services immediately (199 or 112).  

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned for tomorrow at 18:30 in Munich. The protest is planned to take place in a central area near the Israeli consulate and several Jewish institutions, including the Ohel Yaakov synagogue and the Jewish Museum. The central location and proximity to these institutions increase the risk of spontaneous clashes or harassment of Jewish or Israeli passersby. The demonstration is expected to attract hundreds to a few thousand participants. At previous protests of this type in Munich, police have responded with heavy deployments, including special and mounted units and checkpoints, to maintain security.   Advice: - Avoid the area tomorrow to reduce the risk of unintentional involvement. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Check for changes in public transportation and main street closures. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and if tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned tomorrow at 7:00 in Piraeus. The protest is in response to the arrival of the Israeli cruise ship "Crown Iris" in Piraeus on August 14, and includes calls to boycott Israeli tourists, similar to actions observed at other tourist destinations in Greece. While the tone is critical, no violence is expected. Police will reinforce the area, and participation is likely to be high, as seen at previous protests in the area.   Advice: - Avoid the port area tomorrow to reduce the risk of unintentional involvement. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Remain onboard if advised by the ship crew; there may be delays or dock changes depending on protest activity. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and if tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

A pro-Palestinian protest is planned today at 17:30 in Arendal, in resistance to a pro-Israeli event. The aim is to signal that events perceived as promoting an Israeli agenda are not welcome. The demonstration is planned away from central areas, with no current indications of violence or disorder. However, police will maintain a heightened presence to ensure the situation remains peaceful. The expected turnout is several dozen participants.   Advice: - Avoid the protest area today to reduce the risk of unintentional involvement. - Expect increased police presence and traffic diversions throughout the surrounding area. - Refrain from engaging in geopolitical discussions with protesters or bystanders, and if tensions escalate, leave the area immediately to ensure personal safety.  

A red weather warning is in effect, as of August 13, with inland temperatures expected to reach 45 °C from 11:00 to 17:00. Due to the high risk of forest fires, the public is urged to avoid activities that could ignite fires. The labor department has prohibited outdoor heavy and moderate work during these hours, and delivery services using two-wheeled vehicles must halt from 12:00 to 16:00 .   Advice: - Avoid outdoor activity between 11:00 and 17:00 in affected areas. - Follow all work restrictions to prevent heat-related illness and wildfire risk. - Stay hydrated, wear light and breathable clothing, and take frequent breaks in shaded or cool areas. - Watch for heat stress symptoms: headache, dizziness, nausea, dark urine, or extreme fatigue. Rest and hydrate if you notice any. - Report smoke or flames immediately to the Forestry Department at 1407 or 12.  

The India Meteorological Department has warned of a low to moderate risk of flash floods in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, and Sikkim due to saturated soils and expected heavy rainfall in the next 24 hours. Telangana is on high alert for very heavy rain from August 13 to 16, with additional heavy rainfall expected in Coastal Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Rayalaseema on August 13 and 14.   Advice: - Avoid non-essential travel in affected states; monitor IMD alerts (https://mausam.imd.gov.in/). - Stay away from rivers, streams, and low-lying or landslide-prone areas. - Prepare for possible road closures, flash floods, and disruptions to transport. - In Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, avoid sheltering under trees, billboards, or unstable structures. - Keep emergency supplies ready and mobile devices charged.