Thousands Evacuated as Firefighters Battle Wildfires in Crete
On Friday, firefighters continued to battle wildfires near Athens and on the island of Crete.
Thousands were forced to abandon the island's holiday resorts, while blazes in neighboring Turkey claimed at least two lives.
More than 5000 tourists, hotel workers and residents were evacuated from Crete's southern coast, authorities and hotel association officials said.
Many people escaped into the sea and were rescued by local fishermen and divers.
Ierapetra Mayor Manolis Frangoulis said firefighters working to prevent the fires to take advantage of a lull in high winds.
"Thankfully no one was hurt but it's a difficult situation," he added.
Tourists were relocated to other hotels or spent the night in an indoor basketball stadium.
Several homes and businesses were damaged.
In the same context, a wildfire near the port of Rafina disrupted local ferry services to the islands.
Police visited every home to help elderly residents while carrying out an evacuation order.
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
News
China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier
Sports
Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer
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
Business
Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War
News
Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
News
"Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence"
Videos & Features
Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream
Technology
50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Thousands Evacuated as Firefighters Battle Wildfires in Crete
Rana Atef On Friday, firefighters continued to battle wildfires near Athens and on the island of Crete. Thousands were forced to abandon the island's holiday resorts, while blazes in neighboring Turkey claimed at least two lives. More than 5000 tourists, hotel workers and residents were evacuated from Crete's southern coast, authorities and hotel association officials said. Many people escaped into the sea and were rescued by local fishermen and divers. Ierapetra Mayor Manolis Frangoulis said firefighters working to prevent the fires to take advantage of a lull in high winds. "Thankfully no one was hurt but it's a difficult situation," he added. Tourists were relocated to other hotels or spent the night in an indoor basketball stadium. Several homes and businesses were damaged. In the same context, a wildfire near the port of Rafina disrupted local ferry services to the islands. Police visited every home to help elderly residents while carrying out an evacuation order. 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 News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer 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 Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
South Africa's Tshwane Seeks Tourism-Led Growth Through Global Platforms, Local Innovation
Ahmed Emam The City of Tshwane is positioning itself as a key player in South Africa's tourism industry by leveraging high-profile international forums such as the C20 and G20 to attract global attention, reported by TV BRICS. The move underscores the city's broader strategy to stimulate economic growth and job creation through a vibrant tourism sector. According to local officials, including tourism advocate Sarah Mabotsa, tourism contributed an estimated US\$34 billion to the South African economy in 2024. Tshwane is aligning its efforts with this national priority by highlighting its modern infrastructure, robust hospitality sector, and proven capacity to host international events. A major milestone in this strategy was Tshwane's recent co-hosting of the 2025 Urban20 (U20) meetings alongside Johannesburg. The summit, which drew stakeholders from across Africa and beyond, was held under the theme 'Harnessing Tourism for Inclusive and Sustainable Cities.' Discussions emphasized the role of tourism in promoting equitable urban development. Central to Tshwane's tourism agenda is the promotion of township tourism. Initiatives like the Friends of Toloane in the Toloane Nature Reserve are being spotlighted as models of community-driven economic inclusion. These projects aim to bring tourism benefits to underserved areas while preserving cultural and natural heritage. Tourist safety, a key consideration for many travelers, was also a focal point of the U20 dialogue. Tshwane has recently been named the safest city in South Africa—a status bolstered by declining crime rates across nearly all categories. Officials believe this designation enhances the city's appeal as a secure destination for both domestic and international visitors. By combining strong safety credentials with global outreach and grassroots development, Tshwane is working to establish itself as a leading hub for sustainable and inclusive tourism in South Africa and beyond. 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 China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer 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 Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
See - Sada Elbalad
2 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Dubai Conducts First Test Flight of Electric Air Taxi
Israa Farhan Dubai has completed the first test flight of an electric air taxi, marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of next-generation urban mobility and sustainable transport. The test, carried out by the Roads and Transport Authority in a designated desert zone, is the first of its kind in the Middle East. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is powered entirely by clean energy, generating zero operational emissions. Designed to accommodate four passengers and a pilot, it offers a quieter alternative to traditional helicopters, making it well-suited for urban environments. Equipped with six rotors and four battery packs, the air taxi can travel up to 160 kilometers on a single charge and reach speeds of up to 320 kilometers per hour. The service aims to provide swift and seamless connections between key destinations across Dubai, integrating fully with the city's public transport infrastructure, including metro systems, buses, bicycles, and e-scooters. 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 China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer 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 Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
