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Europe heatwave: Red alerts issued in 15 Italian cities

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Italy is currently experiencing extreme heat, leading to red alerts being issued for 15 cities, including Rome, Florence, and Bologna. This heatwave is part of a larger trend of increasing temperatures and longer heatwaves globally due to global warming.

The European Space Agency (ESA) predicts that Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and Poland may face extreme conditions, with potential record temperatures. Greece has already been experiencing temperatures of 40°C or higher, leading to the closure of tourist attractions like the Acropolis. There are concerns about the increased risk of wildfires in Greece and other areas with high winds.

Central parts of Europe, including Germany and Poland, are also affected by high temperatures. In contrast, the UK is experiencing heavy showers and cooler weather due to the southern shift of the jet stream. The current heatwave in Italy, named Cerberus, is expected to be followed by another heatwave called Charon, pushing temperatures above 40°C.

Heatwaves are also occurring in other parts of the world, including the US, China, North Africa, and Japan. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to global warming have become the new normal, according to the World Meteorological Organization.

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Europe heatwave: Hot weather sweeps across southern Europe

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A scorching heatwave continues to affect several European countries, with temperatures expected to break records in the coming days. Parts of Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, and Italy may experience temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), with Italy potentially reaching up to 48°C (118.4°F), which could be the highest ever recorded in Europe, according to the European Space Agency. A red alert warning has been issued for 10 cities, including Florence and Rome. Last month was reported as the hottest June on record by the EU’s climate monitoring service Copernicus.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that extreme weather events resulting from climate change are becoming the new norm. While periods of intense heat are part of natural weather patterns, they are increasingly becoming more frequent, intense, and prolonged globally due to global warming.

The heatwave has impacted tourists in Europe, with visitors experiencing symptoms such as nausea and dizziness in Athens. Efforts have been made to provide information on air-conditioned places for people to seek relief from the heat. Tragically, a man in Italy died from heat-related causes, and several visitors, including a British man in Rome, have suffered from heatstroke.

Authorities are advising people to stay hydrated by drinking at least two liters of water per day and to avoid dehydrating beverages like coffee and alcohol. Tourists in Rome expressed surprise at the extreme heat and stated they were trying to avoid going out during the hottest hours of the day. Some individuals emphasized the need for collective action to address climate change, urging governments and individuals to take responsibility and make changes such as reducing plastic usage, limiting air conditioning, and using electric cars.

The current heatwave, named Cerberus after the mythical three-headed dog from Dante’s Inferno, is expected to continue intensifying in the coming days. Spain has already experienced temperatures reaching 45°C (113°F), and the European Space Agency has predicted potential temperatures of 48°C (118.4°F) in Sicily and Sardinia, which could be the hottest ever recorded in Europe.

Additionally, other regions outside Europe, including parts of Canada, the United States, India, and China, have also witnessed record-breaking temperatures this summer. Sea temperatures in the Atlantic have reached record highs, while Antarctic sea ice is at its lowest extent on record. Furthermore, the development of El Niño, a weather pattern in the tropical Pacific, is expected to contribute to rising temperatures by an average of 0.2°C, exacerbating the effects of climate change, which has already increased average temperatures worldwide by approximately 1.1°C.

To put the current heatwave in historical context, scientists can analyze air bubbles trapped in ancient Antarctic ice, which suggests that the first week of July was the hottest week in around 125,000 years. During the Eemian period, which occurred over a million years ago, temperatures were estimated to be significantly higher, resulting in hippos inhabiting the Thames and sea levels being approximately 5 meters (16.4 feet) higher.

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Scorching Heatwave Sweeps Southern Europe: Cerberus Brings Onslaught of High Temperatures

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A powerful heatwave is currently sweeping across southern Europe, leading to widespread discomfort and raising concerns about the wellbeing of residents and the resilience of infrastructure. Known as “Cerberus,” this extreme weather event is characterized by a relentless onslaught of high temperatures that are significantly surpassing the seasonal norms. Several countries in the region, including Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, are experiencing the effects of this scorching heatwave.

The heatwave has prompted authorities to issue heat alerts and take precautionary measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals from the potentially dangerous consequences of extreme heat. Both residents and tourists are struggling to cope with the oppressive weather, seeking refuge and searching for ways to stay cool amid the soaring temperatures.

The persistent and intense nature of the heatwave has sparked concerns regarding its potential impacts on various aspects of life in the affected areas. Agriculture, in particular, is at risk due to the extreme heat’s detrimental effects on crops and livestock. Water resources, already strained by the prolonged dry spell, are further under pressure as demand for water increases during the heatwave. Additionally, the heightened risk of wildfires is a significant concern, as the combination of scorching temperatures and dry conditions provides ideal conditions for fire outbreaks.

In response to these challenges, authorities are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to mitigate the effects of the heatwave. Efforts are focused on providing adequate support to vulnerable populations, ensuring the availability of cooling centers, and implementing fire prevention strategies.

Overall, the Cerberus heatwave is posing significant challenges to southern European countries, requiring coordinated efforts to minimize its impact on public health, infrastructure, and the environment.

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Survivors point fingers at Greek coastguard for Greece boat tragedy

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Survivors of the migrant boat tragedy off Greece’s coast accuse the Greek coastguard of causing the sinking of the overcrowded fishing vessel. The incident, which occurred on June 14, is considered one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent Mediterranean history, with an estimated 750 people on board, mainly from Pakistan, Syria, and Egypt.

Of the total, 104 individuals survived, while 82 bodies have been recovered. The identities of the four survivors who spoke to the BBC have been verified through multiple sources, but they have chosen to remain anonymous for their safety.

The survivors, some of whom are being held at the Malakasa refugee reception center, alleged that the Greek coastguard was towing the boat when it sank in a deep area of the Mediterranean, approximately 80km (50 miles) off the Greek coast. The Greek authorities have denied these claims, stating that when they attempted to secure the vessel with a rope to assess the situation, some individuals on board resisted, expressing their desire to continue the journey to Italy.

The survivors reported being pressured by Greek officials not to speak to the media about the incident or to blame the Greek coastguard. The Greek authorities declined to comment, citing an ongoing official investigation into the sinking.

The German NGO Sea-Watch, which conducts rescue operations in the Mediterranean, commented that towing an old vessel with a large number of people under such conditions is a risky endeavor and likely to result in a disaster. The survivors also disputed the allegations against the nine Egyptians accused of people trafficking, stating that they were passengers, not smugglers.

The UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has called for urgent action to prevent further deaths at sea, emphasizing the importance of search and rescue operations and the establishment of safe regular pathways in the Mediterranean. According to UNHCR figures, approximately 80,000 people have crossed the Mediterranean to reach EU states this year, with an estimated 1,200 deaths or disappearances during the journey.

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Greek conservative party aims for a majority win in upcoming election led by Mitsotakis

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In Greece, conservative ex-Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is seeking a strong majority as voters head to the polls for the second time in a month. Mitsotakis emerged victorious in May’s election and called for new elections in order to govern without coalition partners.

Despite a recent migrant boat tragedy that claimed the lives of an estimated 500 people, the incident has had minimal impact on the election campaign. Mitsotakis’s New Democracy party secured a significant 20-point lead over the center-left Syriza party, led by former Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, and he is confident of a repeat victory that would grant him a second term. Voting will continue until 19:00 (16:00 GMT).

Mitsotakis argues that a stable government requires a majority of more than 150 seats in the 300-seat parliament. Notably, the winning party in this election will be awarded between 20 and 50 bonus seats, potentially bolstering Mitsotakis’s mandate. Recognized for stabilizing and fostering growth in the Greek economy following a severe debt crisis and multiple bailouts, Mitsotakis has established a resilient image despite facing various crises over the past year.

Tsipras faces a challenging task in this election, with Mitsotakis focusing on his accomplishments and promising lower taxes and improved public health. The two leaders diverged in their responses to the recent migrant boat sinking, with Mitsotakis defending the coastguard and condemning people smugglers, while Tsipras raised concerns and highlighted his government’s previous focus on preserving human life during the 2015 European migrant crisis.

Greek voters’ views on migration have shifted toward stricter and more conservative policies since the 2020 migration crisis on the Evros River, which reinforced perceptions of migration as an external threat to national sovereignty. Additionally, Mitsotakis benefits from the fragmentation of the Greek left, with the Socialists now the third political force in Greece, making it unlikely for left-of-center parties to form a coalition with the conservatives.

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According to the EU border agency, Greece rejected an offer to monitor migrant boats

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EU border authorities claim that Greece ignored their offer to send an aircraft to watch over a migrant boat that ultimately sunk with a large number of casualties.

The UN estimates that 500 more people may have perished in the event last week, but at least 82 deaths are confirmed to have occurred.

Greece has come under fire for not doing enough to address the catastrophe.

The BBC also discovered that, contrary to the Greek narrative that the migrant boat was on a safe, steady route, it barely moved in the hours before it capsized.

The overloaded fishing boat had left Libya and was first seen early on June 13 sailing toward Greece in international seas.

It was discovered by a Frontex (the EU’s border agency) jet, which subsequently required refuelling.

The Greek coast guard, according to Frontex, never responded to its offer to send the plane back to the fishing boat to keep an eye on the situation.

The Greek government has refuted accusations that they failed to respond to the disaster as it was unfolding soon enough, maintaining that people on board informed the coastguards they wanted to be left alone so they could travel to Italy.

Contrary to the official story, a BBC study of other ships’ movements on the tragedy day clearly shows the ship barely moved for at least seven hours before it capsized.

The Greek coastguard has not responded to the most recent allegation that it did not accept Frontex’s offer of further aerial assistance.

The boat reportedly capsized about 02:04 on June 14 local time, some 80 kilometres (50 miles) south-west of the seaside town Pylos.

Although more than 100 people were saved, survivors believe that there may have been as many as 750 people on the boat, including about 100 children in the hold.

At least 350 Pakistanis were on board, according to Pakistan’s interior minister Rana Sanaullah, who also noted that “perhaps there has never been such a large toll in any incident before, even in terrorist incidents.”

Syrians and Egyptians are among those thought to be deceased as well.

Nine Egyptian men were charged with negligent manslaughter, endangering life, creating a shipwreck, and people trafficking when they appeared in court in the Greek city of Kalamata on Monday.

All entered not-guilty pleas.

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Greece boat disaster: Officials deny coastguard rope led to migrant tragedy

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Greek officials have denied reports suggesting that a migrant boat capsized off the south coast due to a rope attached by coastguards. Although 78 people have been confirmed dead, including possibly 100 children, the government spokesman clarified that a rope was used by the coastguard to approach the fishing boat a few hours before it sank.

However, there was no attempt to tow or tether the boat for an extended period. The coastguard’s timeline and account have been challenged by an organization that was in contact with people on the fishing boat, claiming that they urgently requested help.

The Greek government denies using a mooring rope, as reported by a Greek newspaper, and maintains that no request for assistance was made by the crew. Survivors and witnesses have given conflicting accounts, with some suggesting that a rope may have caused the boat to capsize. The coastguard spokesperson reiterated that there was no intention to moor the boat.

Nine people have been arrested on suspicion of people trafficking. The tragedy highlights the ongoing issue of migration through Greece, a key entry point to the European Union for refugees and migrants from various regions.

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Tragic Greece Boat Disaster Claims 78 Lives with Hundreds Missing

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A fishing boat incident off the coast of southern Greece has claimed the lives of at least 78 individuals, while over 100 people have been rescued. Survivors’ accounts suggest that the boat may have been overcrowded, with reports indicating that as many as 750 people, including 100 children, were crammed onboard.

Greek authorities have declared it one of the largest migrant tragedies in the country’s history and have declared three days of mourning. Although authorities claim their offers of assistance were declined, they are facing criticism for not doing enough to aid the distressed individuals.

The boat sank in the early hours of Wednesday, approximately 80km (50 miles) southwest of Pylos. Frontex, the EU’s border agency, had spotted the boat on Tuesday afternoon and promptly alerted Greek and Italian authorities. Notably, it has been reported that no life jackets were being worn by those onboard. The timeline provided by the Greek coastguard reveals that initial contact was made at 14:00 on Tuesday, but no distress signal was issued.

The Greek shipping ministry made repeated attempts to communicate with the boat, which stated its intention to sail to Italy. A Maltese-flagged ship provided food and water around 18:00, followed by another vessel supplying water three hours later. Shortly before 02:00 on Wednesday, the boat reported an engine malfunction, and shortly thereafter, it capsized, sinking within 10 to 15 minutes. Strong winds complicated the subsequent search and rescue operation. The boat is believed to have been en route from Libya to Italy, primarily carrying men in their 20s.

Survivors, who were treated for hypothermia and minor injuries, estimated that there were between 500 and 750 people onboard. Regional health director Yiannis Karvelis described the situation as an unprecedented tragedy due to the boat’s excessive overcrowding. One survivor informed a doctor that there were approximately 100 children in the hold. The nationality of the victims has not been disclosed. President Katerina Sakellaropoulou expressed condolences for the lives lost during her visit to rescued survivors.

Each year, numerous individuals lose their lives attempting to cross the Mediterranean, highlighting the dangers of irregular migration. Greece has emphasized the need for a comprehensive EU migration policy to ensure assistance and protection for those truly in need, rather than leaving the fate of vulnerable individuals in the hands of smugglers.

As a primary entry point for refugees and migrants from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, Greece has faced significant challenges in managing migration flows. In recent times, the Greek government faced criticism for allegedly forcibly expelling migrants at sea. According to UN data, over 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe’s frontline countries this year, with Italy receiving the majority.

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Dozens killed as migrant boat capsizes off Greece

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A tragic incident occurred off the southern coast of Greece, resulting in the deaths of at least 59 migrants, while over 100 individuals were rescued after their fishing vessel capsized. This shipwreck marks the deadliest incident of its kind in Greece this year.

The exact number of people on board remains uncertain, but Greek officials and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) suggest that hundreds may have been aboard the vessel. The Greek coastguard spotted the boat in international waters with the help of an aircraft from the EU border agency Frontex. Despite the coastguard’s attempts to provide assistance, the passengers declined help, and none were wearing life jackets.

Shortly afterward, the boat capsized and sank, leading to a search and rescue operation hampered by strong winds. The majority of those on board were reportedly men in their twenties, and the boat was allegedly en route from Libya to Italy. The nationalities of the victims have not been disclosed yet. Survivors have been transported to Kalamata for medical treatment.

Greece serves as a primary entry point into the European Union for refugees and migrants from Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. This incident follows international criticism directed at the Greek government for alleged videos showing the forceful expulsion of migrants left adrift at sea. According to UN data, over 70,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe’s frontline countries this year, with the majority reaching Italy.

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Greek election: Centre-right Mitsotakis hails big win but wants majority

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Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the conservative Prime Minister of Greece, has won the national elections with his New Democracy party. The party secured almost 41% of the vote, falling just five seats short of a majority. Mitsotakis hailed the victory as a “political earthquake.” His center-left rival, Alexis Tsipras of the Syriza party, congratulated him, although his own party had a poor result of 20%.

Mitsotakis stated that the election result showed that the Greek people had given his party a mandate for a four-year government. He emphasized that the people wanted a Greece governed by a majority government led by New Democracy without the assistance of other parties.

The initial exit poll indicated the unexpectedly large scale of New Democracy’s victory, and as the results emerged, it became clear that pre-election polls had underestimated the significant margin between the two main parties. New Democracy won 146 seats, just five short of the 151 required for a majority.

Mitsotakis indicated in his victory speech that he would not seek to form a coalition government but would opt for a second election in late June. Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou would offer him a mandate to form a coalition, which he is likely to refuse. If Mitsotakis refuses, the president will pass the mandate to the next two parties, and if that fails, a caretaker government will be arranged until new elections.

The result was a significant setback for Alexis Tsipras, who came to power in 2015 campaigning against international bailouts and austerity measures but ultimately agreed to creditors’ demands. The center-right has governed Greece for the past four years, and Mitsotakis campaigned on the promise of continuing the country’s economic growth.

The outcome of the elections was seen as a positive response from Greeks, who believed that Mitsotakis was the most trustworthy leader to steer the Greek economy forward and build on recent growth.

In the previous elections, winning 41% of the vote would have been enough to secure a majority in Greece’s 300-seat parliament. However, the rules have changed, and now a winning party requires more than 45% to secure a majority due to the elimination of a 50-seat bonus in the first round. This makes a second election more likely.

Mitsotakis will likely aim to secure the extra seats he would be entitled to if he wins the second election, which would provide him with four years in power and the ability to form a cabinet of his choice. If he considers coalition talks, Pasok, the socialist rival of Syriza, would be a potential partner as one of the election’s winners with 11.5% of the vote. However, such talks may be complicated due to a wiretap scandal involving Pasok leader Nikos Androulakis.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis comes from a prominent Greek political family. His father, Konstantinos Mitsotakis, served as prime minister in the early 1990s, his sister Dora Bakoyannis was a foreign minister, and his nephew, Kostas Bakoyannis, is the current mayor of Athens.

A tragic rail accident that occurred in February, resulting in the death of 57 people, did not have an apparent impact on the election result. Opposition parties had highlighted the accident as a symptom of a dysfunctional state that had suffered from years of economic crisis and under-investment.

Initial analysis of voting by Greek TV suggested that among voters aged 17-24, 31.5% supported New Democracy, which was almost three points higher than the support for Syriza. Some first-time voters expressed their desire for something new and different, leading them to vote for Syriza.

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